Aleix Esprargaro’s this year’s Aprilia is reminiscent of his 2014 Forward Yamaha

Aleix Espargaro explained that this year's April's RS-GP motorcycle reminds him of his Forward Yamaha Open class from the 2014 season.

The Aprilia team is heading into a completely modified motorcycle this season. Aleix had the opportunity to test it already at Shakedown, and today at the first official test. He finished the day in seventh place, just a good four tenths behind the fastest. At the end of the day, however, he expressed his satisfaction with the progress of the motorcycle compared to its predecessor. Nevertheless, the new 90-degree V4 engine is still said to be lacking in achieving top speed compared to the competition.

“It’s definitely much better,” he said when asked about a comparison between this year’s and last year’s motorcycle.

“It is difficult to make an exact comparison, as it is a completely new motorcycle in all areas. The best part is cornering, when you release the front brake the motorcycle turns a little better. The position of the racer is also better. The new engine also makes it easier to drive. We are still far behind in terms of final speed, but as a whole I am satisfied. I think this motorcycle still has a lot of potential. ”

“In addition to cornering, I would like to emphasize the overall stability and lightness of the whole motorcycle, which are amazing. It reminds me a bit of the Forward Yamaha I drove five years ago. This is a very good figure as it was one of the best motorcycles I have had. We are just at the beginning, but we are moving in the right direction. ”