Cycle News

Cycle News 2021 Issue 36 September 8

Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles

Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1408163

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 52 of 141

Vinales To Make Aprilia Racing Debut At Aragon A ll the pieces have now fallen in place for the Aprilia Rac- ing rider lineup after Maverick Vinales' debut astride the RS-GP during the two days of testing on the Misano Adriatico circuit. The Spanish rider, extremely impressed by the first contact with the Italian team, will be on the track officially from the Aragon GP, this weekend (Sep- tember 12). He will take a spot on the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini alongside Aleix Espargaro, who just brought the Noale-based manufacturer their first podium in MotoGP at Silverstone. Aprilia says Lorenzo Savadori will therefore be confirmed as test rider for the 2022 season with the goal of continuing to improve the young RS-GP project. For the rest of the 2021 season, his presence on the track will not be lacking, taking advantage of the wild cards Aprilia has available, says Aprilia. Sava- dori's work schedule will be formal- ized as soon as he has recovered fully from the injury suffered during the Styria GP, a fractured right mal- leolus that required surgery. "[Vinales] demonstrated a great feeling with the team and the bike straight away," said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO. "I am confident [Vinales] will be able to give his best as early as the Aragon GP. At the same time, we are also confirming Lorenzo's role as 2022 test rider. This is a fundamental po- sition that rewards the great efforts he has demonstrated in developing the new RS-GP, whereas he will finish out the 2021 season taking advantage of the wild cards that we'll decide on together as soon as he is back to 100% fitness." "The decision to have Maverick on the track from Aragon is a direct result of the tests done in Misano," said Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Rac- ing Technical Director. "It was not a given that, after a career spent up to now on a bike with an inline engine, Maverick would have a good feeling with our V4 straight away. This is why the test on this track, historically not an easy one for our bike, was an important moment of assess- ment. Therefore, we are satisfied with Maverick's immediately positive reactions, which demonstrated a good feeling both with the RS-GP and with the team and our work method. His and Aleix's talent, com- bined with the experience Lorenzo has gained this season, make us optimistic about the future of our MotoGP project." CN IN THE WIND P52 Maverick Vinales will make his Aprilia debut this weekend at Aragon. Two days of testing at Misano revealed positive results, says the team.

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Cycle News - Cycle News 2021 Issue 36 September 8