Moto GP
Raul Fernandez Eyes 2024 Aprilia Upgrade at Silverstone: Final 2023 Rounds at Assen and Sachsenring?
Raul Fernandez: ‘90%’ chance I’ll ride the 2024 Aprilia at Silverstone
Raul Fernandez could conclude his races on the 2023 Aprilia at Assen and Sachsenring.
Raul Fernandez is almost certain—about 90% sure—that he will be riding the 2024 model of the Aprilia motorcycle following the MotoGP summer break at Silverstone.
Fernandez, a competitor for the satellite Trackhouse team, is presently the only Aprilia racer still utilizing the previous year's RS-GP23 model.
However, Aprilia has promised to update his equipment to the 2024 specifications at the earliest opportunity.
While the regulations for homologation dictate that the engine specifications cannot be altered mid-season, other parts of the motorcycle can still be adjusted. However, only one aerodynamic update is permitted.
The Aprilia aerodynamic update's timing appears to play a significant role in Fernandez's improvement.
In order to ensure his 2024 bike closely matches the specifications of other RS-GP riders, including his teammate Miguel Oliveira, Fernandez needs to wait for Aprilia to release their newest aerodynamic upgrades. These updates are also anticipated to resolve previous overheating problems during the flyaway races.
The new aerodynamic package is anticipated to be completed by the time of the Silverstone event.
“I’m almost certain, about 90%, that I’ll receive the new bike at Silverstone,” stated Fernandez. “They are currently verifying if they can provide me with the bike at that location.”
Regrettably for Fernandez, bad weather disrupted his intentions to accumulate more laps on the 2024 bike during the recent Mugello test, following a short initial run at the previous Jerez test.
He mentioned that the purpose of the Mugello test was to gain a better understanding of the bike and get it ready for Silverstone.
Fernandez, who took the lead in a MotoGP race for the first time during the Catalunya Sprint, is now ranked 12th in the world championship, three spots above Oliveira who rides the #24 bike.
A 23-year-old racer had surgery to address arm pump issues after experiencing difficulties in recent races and following a test session at Mugello.
"I missed out on a podium finish in Barcelona because of this issue when I was with Marc and Aleix," he stated.
Fernandez achieved his highest placement of the season by securing sixth place in Barcelona.
Jorge Martin is the sole confirmed Aprilia rider for 2025, as the current factory team members, Aleix Espargaro (retiring) and Maverick Vinales (joining Tech3 KTM), are set to depart.
The departure of the current factory pair boosts the likelihood of Oliveira and/or Fernandez staying, thanks to their familiarity with the motorcycle and to maintain some consistency.
Marco Bezzecchi from VR46 is highly favored to fill the last factory position next to Martin, fulfilling Aprilia's aim of recruiting a swift Italian racer.
Continue Reading
Recent Updates
Recent Updates
Website Map
Crash.Net
©1999-2024 Crash Media Group
It is prohibited to reproduce the text, images, or drawings, either in whole or in part, in any manner.
Discover more from Automobilnews News - The first AI News Portal world wide
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.