Espargaro Embraces Austrian Challenge as Savadori Returns with ‘Lab Bike’ for Aprilia

Espargaro believes that achieving strong results on challenging circuits is doubly significant, while Savadori works with a test motorcycle.

Aleix Espargaro stated, 'I thrive on challenges… We’ll see if we can deliver a good performance, as success on tough tracks is twice as rewarding.'

Following his podium finish in the MotoGP Sprint race at Silverstone, where he also secured pole position for Aprilia and recorded the fastest lap in the grand prix race, Aleix Espargaro is set to encounter a more difficult task this weekend in Austria.

The Spanish rider, set to retire after this season, openly acknowledges that the circuit's stop-and-go layout doesn't align with his riding preferences. Additionally, it doesn't play to the advantages of the RS-GP, which is still at its best in high-speed turns, despite improvements in its hard braking capabilities.

However, achieving a positive outcome in Austria would be even more gratifying.

Espargaro commented that the Red Bull Ring isn't among his preferred tracks because its stop-and-go nature doesn't align well with his riding style.

"Nevertheless, I relish challenges and intend to tackle this weekend with that mindset."

"I'm really looking forward to returning to the track. Achieving strong results on challenging circuits is especially rewarding, so let's aim for that."

Although Espargaro secured 9th place in last year's Grand Prix, his teammate Maverick Vinales was the highest-placed Aprilia rider, finishing in sixth.

Despite experiencing significant events at the Austrian circuit, such as a brake failure in 2020 and parting ways with Yamaha in mid-2021, Vinales still finds enjoyment in racing there.

"The Nürburgring is a great circuit. Although we had difficulties there before, last year I performed well, particularly in the qualifying round, where I secured a spot in the second position on the starting grid," he commented.

"I am fully committed to identifying what went wrong at Silverstone so that we can enhance our performance and return to the top."

Vinales is still the highest-ranked rider in the world championship who isn't on a Ducati, holding fifth place, though he faces strong competition from KTM riders Pedro Acosta and Brad Binder.

At the same time, a fifth Aprilia motorcycle will be competing this weekend with test rider Lorenzo Savadori participating in his fourth wild-card event of the season.

The Italian rider has returned to competing after experiencing several vertebral fractures at Assen, where Espargaro also sustained a hand injury.

Savadori is set to ride the Aprilia test bike once more, focusing on developing components and concepts for upcoming seasons. "I'm eager to return to the track. Although I'm not fully fit yet, I've seen improvements in my condition," Savadori commented.

"I'll be competing with an experimental bike, and we'll be testing various enhancements. There’s a lot of work ahead, especially looking forward."

In 2025, Aprilia's lineup will no longer feature either Espargaro, who will retire and take on a role as a test rider for Honda, or Vinales, who will move to Tech3 KTM.

Next year, the factory team will feature current Pramac Ducati title leader Jorge Martin and VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi.

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