APRILIA IN MISANO 30 YEARS AFTER THEIR FIRST GRAND PRIX MOTORCYCLE RACING VICTORY
The home race is always a special time, but the 2017 Misano GP is charged with even more significance for Aprilia. It was precisely on this track, 30 years ago, that the Italian brand took its first Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing win in the 250 class with Loris Reggiani. It was the beginning of a great sports heritage, reflected by an impressive collection of trophies: 54 world titles in all motorcycle disciplines, including 38 in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing with 294 races won.
The Aprilia Racing Team Gresini therefore arrives at the Marco Simoncelli circuit with some extra motivation that further fuels their great confidence after the tests a few weeks ago. The growth of the RS-GP is tangible. The margin for growth is still great and it can be achieved by working on the details, given the overall quality of the technical package. And so, the RS-GP will once again be seeking a good result, armed with the potential it has shown thus far.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“I rested after Silverstone to recover from my injury. The tests done here went well. They let us take another step forward and we are coming to Misano with all our papers in order to do a good race. This is a special occasion for Aprilia and I’ll give it my all.”
SAM LOWES
“We tested here in Misano recently and I had a good feeling. This is Aprilia’s home race, so I hope to do well this weekend. Right now I am feeling at ease on the bike and with the work the team is doing.”
ROMANO ALBESIANO – APRILIA RACING MANAGER
“We are heading to Misano rather optimistically, especially in light of the tests done here two weeks ago which were definitely positive. We will most likely have an aerodynamic upgrade, basically in line with the interpretation of the rules which seems to be consolidated at this point. From a technical point of view, we will be focusing primarily on tests with the fuel tank full, since the early laps of the race are the ones where we are struggling the most.”
FAUSTO GRESINI – TEAM MANAGER
“Misano is a very important GP for us. It will not be at all easy, but the goal is to bring home a good result that can repay us for all the hard work we’ve done up to now. It would be fantastic for Aprilia, for the team, for our partners and for the riders. If I have to make a prediction, I’d like to aim for the top 6 and I think we have the potential to be there. Aleix is obviously our top rider, but we are giving our best to let Sam express his full potential in this season finale as well.”
