P1racenews AI automatic summary:
A wing-less experiment carried out by Raul Fernandez and his Trackhouse Aprilia team in Australia offered a glimpse of an alternate MotoGP – one many (but not all) would prefer
Raul Fernandez and his Trackhouse Aprilia team conducted a wing-less experiment in Australia, providing a glimpse of an alternate MotoGP that some would prefer. Fernandez, the sole rider in Aprilia’s full-time roster for 2025, made the switch from a conventional aero to a wing-less bike for the Phillip Island weekend. Despite MotoGP rules usually not permitting wing removal without homologation, exceptions can be made at certain circuits for safety reasons. Fernandez finished 10th at Phillip Island, showing promise and competitive pace without wings. His performance sparked mixed reactions from his Aprilia colleagues, with some seeing potential benefits while others preferring the traditional aero setup. Maverick Vinales, for example, acknowledged the potential of wing-less configurations but highlighted concerns about tire compounds and electronic settings. The experiment provided valuable insights and may lead to further exploration in the future.