Mixed feelings for Aprilia duo heading into 2021 MotoGP season

One of the surprise packages of MotoGP testing in Qatar was the RS-GP Aprilia in the hands of Aleix Espargaro, who topped day one and was a consistent top ten finisher throughout.

It's been a much more challenging time for his new team-mate Lorenzo Savadori, who goes into his first full season of MotoGP racing in 2021. 

Savadori replaces Bradley Smith for the upcoming season who will once again take on test rider duties. 

Aprilia showed solid pace this time last year in testing but failed to build on it during the season, however, the updates in 2021 have seemingly had a big effect particularly with the race pace. 

Speaking after the test, Espargaro said: "It’s a shame we weren't able to lap today and about the crash yesterday during the race simulation. Besides that, I am satisfied. These tests confirmed the good job that was done over the winter.

"The 2021 RS-GP has improved. We were consistently fast in spite of the extremely high level demonstrated by the Championship. This does not mean that there is no work to be done."

"We were unable to try everything we wanted to and, above all, only in the race will we truly be able to understand where our level is. Goals? Keep our feet on the ground, well aware that we can finally battle in the leading group."

Savadori has struggled for pace during the test, however, the Italian has been dealing with a shoulder problem for much of it.

Savadori added: "These tests were severely conditioned for me by problems with my shoulder. It is an injury that would need some down time to heal.

"From now to the race there will be a bit of time to recuperate, but I don’t know if I’ll be able to be at 100%. In any case, we were able to see the improvements on the new RS-GP which is more stable, has more grip and provides better ergonomics.

"There are areas where I still am not entirely confident, for example coming out of corners, but we're working on it. Both with the team and changing my riding style, also listening to Aleix’s valuable advice."