In an exclusive interview with Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, Aprilia’s past and present spoke about a range of hot topics. Current star Aleix Espargaro (Aprilia Racing Team Gresini) and Max Biaggi sat down together to run us through their thoughts on the brand-new RS-GP, Marc Marquez’s (Repsol Honda Team) comeback, Andrea Dovizioso and Aprilia’s partnership, the state of the current World Championship and more.
“In recent years we have grown a lot. In my opinion not in a single aspect in particular,” said Espargaro, when asked about what the biggest improvement on the 2021 Aprilia is. “The RS-GP 2021 has grown aerodynamically, the new engine is more performing, we have improved the whole bike. The overall package, I like it a lot more and this is the reason why we are much more competitive.”
Biaggi, a three-time Aprilia 250cc World Champion from 1994-1996 and double World Superbike Champion (2010 & 2012) with Aprilia, offered an outsider’s point of view on the RS-GP. “First of all, I like the shape more than in the past. The truth is that it works much better than in the past, those who ride it know more. Even if it may seem banal, the noise is already very aligned with that of the competition. In my opinion they have taken the right path and the results prove it.”
One of the big talking points surrounding Aprilia this year has been Dovizioso’s tests. The experienced Italian – a three-time MotoGP™ runner up with Ducati – and his team have made it clear that they aim to return to racing in 2022, with all signs pointing towards doing so with Aprilia. Espargaro has his say on Dovizioso’s involvement.
“I've always pushed hard and I've always asked to have stronger riders by my side because this makes you faster and faster. Let's see what will happen in the future, the Dovizioso option is very good, Aprilia's decision isn't easy. Attending a Championship where you also need a young rider, Aprilia is improving the bike, a young rider may be needed.
“Let's see what Aprilia chooses. The interesting thing is that someone like Dovi who is very strong and with a lot of experience is interested in Aprilia because they are doing well in Noale, the project is growing. The fact that many young Moto2 and Moto3 riders are interested in Aprilia is also very positive because it wasn't like that two or three years ago. In my opinion, Aprilia's future is brilliant.”
Head over to La Gazzetta dello Sport to read the full interview with Espargaro and Biaggi.