The first race of the 2024 MotoGP season saw Aleix Espargaro, the lead rider for Aprilia, earn 15 points. In contrast, the other two riders of the 2024 Aprilia RS-GPs managed to score only eight points combined. While not a significant difference, it is not the ideal result for Aprilia. Espargaro had high expectations for the race in Lusail, as he qualified on the front row and was considered a favorite to finish on the podium. However, he was disappointed with his performance due to what he believed to be an issue with the rear tire beyond his control. Despite this setback, Espargaro still finished ahead of his teammate Maverick Vinales and Miguel Oliveira, who currently rides for Aprilia’s new satellite team, Trackhouse’s 2024 RS-GP.
This discrepancy between Espargaro and his colleagues is not surprising, as it reflects the trend observed during testing. Espargaro had a consistent performance, while Vinales and Oliveira had ups and downs. Espargaro’s success can be attributed to his skill as a rider, as he is the oldest competitor on the grid at 34 years old. He seems to be defying the typical career trajectory of a MotoGP rider.
However, Espargaro’s success is also due to the qualities of the 2024 Aprilia. The main difference between this bike and its predecessor is its aerodynamics, which have undergone significant changes. Aprilia’s development process is unique, as it tends to focus on specific areas and make significant advancements in those areas. This approach has transformed the RS-GP from an unreliable package into a highly regarded bike in MotoGP, although it still has some performance fluctuations and peculiarities.
Espargaro praised the new aerodynamic package, especially the seat unit, which provides more rear downforce. Vinales and Oliveira, on the other hand, have been more hesitant to use this new seat. Aprilia team boss Massimo Rivola acknowledged the different preferences among the riders and allowed them to choose different aerodynamic packages.
Espargaro’s riding style also plays a role in his ability to exploit the qualities of the bike. He maintains a significant lean angle and is stable on the bike, even during braking. This style suits the new Aprilia, which prioritizes stability over agility. Vinales and Oliveira, however, have struggled to adapt to this new style.
The height and body position of the riders can also contribute to their different experiences with the new seat unit. Espargaro is taller than Vinales and Oliveira, which may give him an advantage in utilizing the benefits of the seat. Although Vinales and Oliveira can make some adjustments, there are limits to how much they can change their riding approach.
Although Vinales and Oliveira chose not to use the new seat unit at the beginning of the season, they have the option to change their minds and adopt Espargaro’s setup. Oliveira indicated that this is still a possibility, and Vinales believes the seat unit could be beneficial for certain tracks. However, Aprilia is also working on developing alternative solutions to meet the preferences of their riders.
The Qatar GP highlighted the need for improvements for both Vinales and Oliveira. Vinales had some promising moments during the race, but struggled with the bike’s handling and felt uncomfortable. Oliveira faced challenges due to a penalty and was unable to qualify for Q2, which affected his overall performance. Both riders acknowledge the need to spend more time with the bike to maximize their potential.
Time is essential for Vinales and Oliveira, as Aprilia did not achieve the desired results in Qatar. The performance of the RS-GP in Espargaro’s hands likely caught the attention of rival riders who will become free agents at the end of the year.
© 2024
Last night, the much-anticipated football match between the Flamengo and Palmeiras teams took place. The match was held at the Maracanã stadium in Rio de Janeiro and was attended by thousands of passionate fans. The atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying, with fans singing and cheering at every play.
The game started with a lot of intensity, with both teams looking for a goal from the beginning. Flamengo opened the scoring early in the first half, with a beautiful goal from their star striker. Palmeiras did not give up and managed to equalize the match still in the first half.
In the second half, Flamengo came back strong and dominated the game. With beautiful plays and a lot of determination, the team scored two more goals and secured the victory. The fans went wild and celebrated the achievement.
With the victory, Flamengo remains at the top of the league and increases its lead over the second-placed team. Meanwhile, Palmeiras misses the opportunity to close the gap with the leader and needs to recover for the upcoming matches.
The next challenge for Flamengo will be against Santos, away from home. Meanwhile, Palmeiras will face Internacional at Allianz Parque. Both matches promise to be exciting and decisive for the teams.
Fans are already eager for the upcoming games and hope that their teams continue with good performances. The rivalry between Flamengo and Palmeiras is historic and always provides great spectacles on the field.
Stay tuned for more information about the championship and don’t miss any important moments. Brazilian football is becoming more and more exciting and surprising. Follow all the news here on our website.
