APRILIA PUT TO THE TEST ON THE FASTEST CIRCUIT OF THE CALENDAR
Just hours after the tests ended on the Brno circuit, the MotoGP convoy was already in Austria where preparations are feverishly underway for the eleventh round of the season. This is a decidedly particular track, with a higher average speed than any other on the calendar. Its 4318 metres include long straights broken up by 3 left-handers and 7 right-handers.
The treachery of the Austrian track lies in the many right-handers which particularly stress that side of the tyre, also because of the rather abrasive asphalt. These characteristics are further emphasised by the hard braking sections and the equally harsh acceleration when exiting the turns.
The Aprilia riders are arriving at the Red Bull Ring after an intense day of tests following the Brno weekend. Albeit with different work schedules, Aleix and Andrea will have a few solutions available that they tested on their RS-GP machines, seeking yet another change in pace.
ALEIX ESPARGARO’
“Last week we missed the result in the race but there were some positive points in terms of sensations, such as the start, for example. The test was an opportunity to take a step forward. I’ll have some of the new components available even here in Austria, so we’ll see how the weekend goes. Last year we struggled with tyre wear, so we’ll have to pay particular attention to this aspect.”
ANDREA IANNONE
“For us, every track is an unknown and we tackle it together for the first time. The Austrian track is a particular one with unique characteristics and, for this reason, it is very demanding. This will be a chance for us to continue working on our weak points, also using the solutions we tested in Brno.”
