Why MotoGP's smallest manufacturer now belongs in the elite class
Aleix Espargaro's frustrated media debriefs became a common theme in 2019, but an encouraging showing in the Sepang test with the latest evolution of its RS-GP points to a positive future
Aprilia unveiled the long-awaited "revolution" of its RS-GP MotoGP bike at last weekend's Sepang pre-season test, which was met with praise from its number one rider Aleix Espargaro after a positive six days of running during the shakedown and the official test.
In doing so, Aprilia has already passed its first major challenge with its new bike.
Espargaro is not one to shy away from letting his feelings be known, and hosted many a frustrated media debrief across the 2019 season as he fumed at Aprilia's lack of progress with a bike he felt had the ingredients to be a strong package.
Share Or Save This Story
Lewis Duncan is Autosport's International Editor and primary motorcycle racing reporter. A motorsport fan from a young age, Lewis became interested in journalism when he won the star letter competition in the February 2012 issue of F1 Racing Magazine. A member of the Autosport Academy from 2017, Lewis became a freelance motorcycle racing correspondent for Autosport in 2019 before becoming a full-time staffer in 2020 as International Editor.
While MotoGP coverage is his priority, Lewis also covers World Superbikes and road racing across the Motorsport Network, and hosts the Tank Slappers Podcast. He has also occasionally commentated on 750 Motor Club meetings. Away from motorsport, Lewis is a keen record collector with a collection unashamedly largely featuring Iron Maiden and Rush and an avid guitar player.
More from Lewis Duncan
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
Brivio: Trackhouse offers 'great opportunity' for MotoGP and NASCAR worlds to collide
Marini urges patience at Honda as new MotoGP season approaches
Marquez now 'looking for final three tenths' on Ducati MotoGP bike
Isle of Man TT organisers introduce important competitor safety initiative
MotoGP Malaysian GP: Marquez outpaces Martin in FP2
MotoGP Malaysian GP: Martin edges Marquez in first practice
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
Latest news
How rain and strategy spelled disaster for Ferrari in WEC Imola 6 Hours
Wolff: Mercedes can't just keep living off F1 ‘bright spots’
From tweaked headrests to new floors: China’s F1 updates in full
Pourchaire eager for more IndyCar after “amazing” debut in Long Beach
Autosport Plus
Can anyone stop "changed" Bagnaia as Ducati tightens its grip on MotoGP?
The signs that MotoGP's Japanese powerhouses are changing for the better
The other Suzuki signing that could transform Honda's MotoGP form
How the MotoGP paddock has offered refuge to Suzuki's former team
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.