Aprilia underwent a significant transformation over the winter, reworking its V4-powered RS-GP with a fresh aerodynamic concept that turned heads during its debut at the Sepang test last month.
The updated bike showcased notable progress compared to its 2023 iteration, with rider Espargaro delivering a commendable performance in Qatar.
Despite highlighting a deficiency in engine power as a primary drawback of the 2024 Aprilia package, Espargaro expressed admiration for the enhanced cornering capabilities experienced at the Losail circuit.
Describing the bike’s cornering prowess akin to Formula 1 cars, particularly in corners 12 to 15, Espargaro lauded the bike’s agility. However, he acknowledged the need for improvement in engine performance, noting that it’s still early in the season to draw definitive conclusions.
Espargaro’s impressive performance was evident in the latter part of the race, where he demonstrated remarkable pace on worn tires, ultimately securing a podium finish.
Despite concerns about Ducati’s dominance, Espargaro remains optimistic about Aprilia’s competitiveness and the challenges they can pose to their rivals in the upcoming races.