The first race of the 2024 MotoGP season saw Aleix Espargaro, the lead rider for Aprilia, earn 15 points. In contrast, the other two riders on the 2024-spec Aprilia RS-GPs only managed to score eight points combined. While it’s not a significant difference, it’s not the ideal outcome for Aprilia. Espargaro had high expectations for the race at Lusail, as he qualified on the front row and was considered a favorite to finish on the podium. However, he was disappointed with his performance due to what he believed was a rear tire issue beyond his control. Despite this setback, Espargaro still finished ahead of his teammate Maverick Vinales and Miguel Oliveira, who is currently riding Aprilia’s new satellite team Trackhouse’s 2024 RS-GP.
This discrepancy between Espargaro and his peers is not surprising, as it reflects the trend seen during testing. Espargaro consistently performed well, while Vinales and Oliveira had their ups and downs. Espargaro’s success can be attributed to his skill as a rider, as he is the oldest competitor on the grid at 34 years old. He seems to be defying the typical career trajectory of a MotoGP rider.
However, Espargaro’s success is also due to the strengths of the 2024 Aprilia. The main difference between this bike and its predecessor is its aerodynamics, which have undergone significant changes. Aprilia’s development process is unique, as it tends to focus on specific areas and makes significant advancements in those areas. This approach has transformed the RS-GP from an unreliable package into a highly regarded bike in MotoGP, although it still has some performance fluctuations and quirks.
Espargaro has praised the new aerodynamic package, particularly the seat unit, which provides more rear downforce. Vinales and Oliveira, on the other hand, have been more hesitant about using this new seat. Aprilia’s team boss, Massimo Rivola, has acknowledged the different preferences among riders and has allowed them to choose different aero packages.
Espargaro’s riding style also plays a role in his ability to exploit the bike’s strengths. He maintains a significant lean angle and is stable on the bike, even during braking. This style suits the new Aprilia, which prioritizes stability over agility. Vinales and Oliveira, however, have struggled to adapt to this new style.
The height and body positioning of the riders may also contribute to their different experiences with the new seat unit. Espargaro is taller than Vinales and Oliveira, which may give him an advantage in utilizing the seat’s benefits. While Vinales and Oliveira can make some adjustments, there are limits to how much they can change their approach to riding.
Although Vinales and Oliveira have chosen not to use the new seat unit at the start of the season, they have the option to change their minds and adopt Espargaro’s setup. Oliveira has indicated that this is still a possibility, and Vinales believes the seat unit could be beneficial for certain tracks. However, Aprilia is also working on developing alternative solutions to suit the preferences of its riders.
The Qatar GP highlighted the need for improvements for both Vinales and Oliveira. Vinales had some promising moments during the race but struggled with the bike’s handling and felt uncomfortable. Oliveira faced challenges due to a penalty and missed out on qualifying for Q2, which affected his overall performance. Both riders recognize the need to spend more time with the bike to maximize its potential.
Time is of the essence for Vinales and Oliveira, as Aprilia did not achieve the desired results in Qatar. The performance of the RS-GP in Espargaro’s hands has likely caught the attention of rival riders who will become free agents at the end of the year.