TECHNICAL OVERVIEW
# QatarGP
APRILIA
The Noale factory enjoyed some success in 2023 , winning two races and finishing third in the Constructor ’ s Championship . But hopes of further success were undermined by familiar failings in the flyaway rounds in October and November , when overheating issues plagued the RS-GP .
The Noale factory has prioritised improving its aerodynamics over all other aspects of set-up during the winter months , with Aleix Espargaro believing the ’ 24 bike is a clear improvement on what he rode last year .
The weight of the bike is a bit less than last year ’ s model and the rigidity of the chassis has been adjusted . Where Espargaro feels the biggest change is “ in terms of stability - the bike has improved a lot ,” he said . That has helped him maintain fast lap times when the tyres begin to wear , something which was seen during his longer runs during the Malaysia and Qatar tests .
One drawback is how physical the additional aero has made the bike to ride . The RS-GP isn ’ t as nimble as it once was . But recent lap times suggest it is once again ready to fight at the front .
“ The bike has improved a lot in terms of stability .”
ALEIX ESPARGARO
48 | MotoGP™