P1racenews AI automatic summary:
There was a clear divide between the lead Aprilia rider in Qatar and his two peers on the 2024-spec bike. That’s in part down to Aleix Espargaro, but it’s also about this year’s Aprilia and what the manufacturer has set out to do
The 2024 MotoGP season opener saw Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro scoring 15 points, while the other two riders on 2024-spec Aprilia RS-GPs combined for only eight points. Espargaro’s performance at Lusail was anticipated to be strong, but he faced challenges during the race due to a rear tire issue. Despite this, he managed to finish ahead of his teammates Maverick Vinales and Miguel Oliveira. The differences in performance between Espargaro and his peers were noticeable throughout testing, with Espargaro consistently displaying strong results. The 2024 Aprilia bike focuses heavily on aerodynamics, with Espargaro stating that they have the best aerodynamics in the paddock. The implementation of different aero packages within the team has led to varied preferences among the riders, showcasing the unique strengths and challenges of each configuration.
