APRILIA AT LE MANS TO REAP THE FRUITS OF THE GROWTH DEMONSTRATED IN THE FIRST PART OF THE SEASON
The fifth round on the 2017 MotoGP calendar will be held in France on the historic Le Mans circuit that was recently resurfaced. The Aprilia riders have already had the chance to test the new configuration a few weeks ago, taking away a positive impression in preparation for the upcoming race weekend.
Aleix Espargaró and Sam Lowes can also count on the data collected after the Spanish Jerez round on an extremely positive day of testing for the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini for the RS-GP’s development. The Italian V4 showed tangible signs of growth and, above all, significant margins for improvement in this first part of the season. The French race will be called on to confirm this trend.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“After the test in Jerez, we understood our bike better with different front tyres. We also improved the front end on the bike, so I think that in Le Mans with the new surface, and with the private test that we did 2 weeks ago, we should be competitive again. Le Mans is not one of my favourites tracks, but I like the layout and I will try to ride a good race.”
SAM LOWES
“I can’t wait for France. We had a nice test there recently where I felt quite good with the bike. In Jerez we had a bad race day, but the weekend and test afterwards were rather encouraging. That’s what I’m looking to take with me to Le Mans. It’s time for us to make a good step.”
ROMANO ALBESIANO – APRILIA RACING MANAGER
“In the recent tests on this track, both of our riders said that they were satisfied. Historically there were grip problems on the French tarmac, but they seem to have been solved now. The unknown is still the weather, which has a heavy impact on performance. The track layout has a few very delicate points where the rider’s feeling on the bike is fundamental, such as going into the first corner, whereas the acceleration points from low speed make wheelie control essential.”
FAUSTO GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER
“Le Mans is a nice track where I think the characteristics of the RS-GP will shine. The goal is to improve compared to Jerez, where the result, although good, did not reflect our full potential. The tests done here confirmed the good feeling with the track. It will be fundamental to earn a good spot on the starting grid because it is not easy to overtake here. Usually at Le Mans, whoever starts from the front has a certain advantage. We are pumped up and motivated, as always.”
