P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Braking instability while in a slipstream continued to cost Marco Bezzecchi dearly at the Le Mans Sprint.
Marco Bezzecchi started the Le Mans Sprint race in fifth position, showcasing the race pace Aprilia had been counting on since pre-season testing. However, on lap 3, his RS-GP became unstable while braking behind another bike in the slipstream, causing him to go off track and drop to last place. Despite his struggles, Bezzecchi managed to salvage 17th place by the end, displaying impressive speed with the fourth fastest lap and closely shadowing the podium contenders.
Bezzecchi reported experiencing bike instability, especially behind other MotoGP riders, leading to difficult braking situations and erratic movements. He acknowledged the challenge of managing this issue, particularly in the early stages of a race with a full fuel tank and fresh tires. The Italian rider highlighted the importance of understanding and adjusting his riding style to tackle the bike’s unexpected movements and improve performance.
While Bezzecchi sought solutions to address the bike’s instability, Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez emerged as the top performer for Aprilia in the Le Mans Sprint, finishing in tenth place. Additionally, Lorenzo Savadori, riding in place of the injured Jorge Martin, achieved his best MotoGP result with a ninth-place finish after a strategic bike swap to wets.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola expressed confidence that Bezzecchi’s speed would soon translate into better results, emphasizing the team’s dedication to improvement. The inconsistent weather conditions also played a role, with mixed tire choices and challenging track conditions influencing the riders’ performances. Notably, Johann Zarco’s victory on a Honda highlighted the absence of podium finishes for KTM and Aprilia in the current season.
