MOTOGP: Aprilia ramps up development program

Aprilia will explore different development directions for each of its MotoGP riders when it continues testing its new RS-GP at Mugello later this week.

The Italian manufacturer's first fully-fledged MotoGP bike did not make its debut until the final pre-season test in Qatar, owing to development delays. Aprilia brought a host of chassis, electronics and aerodynamic upgrades – including its first winglets – to the year's first European race at Jerez last weekend, where it showed promising signs.

Alvaro Bautista missed a place in the second phase of qualifying by 0.246 seconds, with 13th Aprilia's best grid position of the season. During Monday's post-race test, Aprilia tried even more parts, including a new frame and swingarm, before heading to Mugello for a private test this week.

"We had a lot of things to test, beginning with the new frame and a new swingarm, new forks that are not as stiff, a lot of electronics settings and a fuel feed system with different pressure," said Romano Albesiano, Aprilia's racing manager. "We are moving in different development directions for the two riders who are proving to have different needs."

Under MotoGP regulations, Yamaha, Honda and Ducati are limited to five days of private, in-season testing while Aprilia and Suzuki have no limit – and can continue to develop their engines – as part of concessions designed to help level MotoGP's playing field.

Bautista and Bradl will be joined at Mugello by test rider Mike di Meglio, who fractured his elbow while shaking down the RS-GP in February.

"I must say that I found particular advantages with the frame, whereas the swingarm needs to be tested a bit more before we draw any final conclusions," Bautista said of the Jerez running. "The tests we did on the chassis suggests which direction we need to go for upcoming developments."

Originally on Autosport.com