P1racenews AI automatic summary:
2024 Aprilia MotoGP bike like an F1 car in Qatar corners – Espargaro
Aprilia revamped its V4-powered RS-GP over the winter, introducing a new aerodynamic concept that caught attention during the Sepang test last month. The updated bike has shown significant progress over the 2023 model, with Espargaro impressively securing third place in the Qatar race, closely behind Jorge Martin and Brad Binder. Espargaro praised the bike’s cornering speed but highlighted the engine as a weakness that needs improvement. Despite this, his performance in Qatar was strong, showcasing his skill in managing worn tires during the later stages of the race. Espargaro’s competitiveness against Ducati riders in the season opener suggests a potential challenge to their dominance in the 2024 MotoGP season. Although facing rivals with faster straight-line speed, Espargaro’s strong performance in the final laps of the race indicates promising prospects for future races.