Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) finished the first test of 2017 at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in P13 on both Day 3 and combined timesheets – with a 2:00.108 on the final day proving the Spaniard’s best time.
After a positive first encounter with the Aprilia at the post-race test in Valencia at the end of 2016 and then another test in Jerez, Sepang saw Espargaro complete another 125 laps – finding improvements in the new 2017 bike rolled out in Malaysia.
Aleix Espargaro, P13: “I am satisfied with these tests. I liked the 2017 bike and it has some improvements compared with the one I tested in Valencia and Jerez. The new engine specification is an important step, although from that standpoint we still need to gain something with respect to the fastest bikes, and the frame has maintained its strong points. The guys at Aprilia have worked very well and we need to continue on this path for the next tests. In the afternoon of the third day I crashed during race simulation, but until that point my pace was good - very close to the best. We obviously need to improve in many areas, especially in terms of power distribution and stability in acceleration, but overall our situation is positive.”