The 2020 RS-GP bike features a new engine configuration and aerodynamics package
The 2020 Aprilia MotoGP was revealed in Qatar. The bike has been redesigned with a V4 90° engine making 280 hp. The 2020 RS-GP’s official launch was joined by Andrea Iannone. Here are the details.
The 2020 Aprilia RS-GP MotoGP bike has been redesigned. Now, it has a new engine configuration featuring a new V4 90° engine making around 280 hp. The older powerplant used a V4 75° putting out 255 hp.
"I really feel as though this is my bike. I know how much work everyone has put into it," stated Andrea Iannone.
Other improvements include a refined aerodynamics package, a seamless gearbox designed by Aprilia, and a double rail frame made from aluminium. The swingarm is also made from the same material. The electronics package has been upgraded as well.
"The bike is a whole different story! I am more motivated, more hopeful than ever,” said Aleix Espargaro.
For 2020, the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini has three riders – Aleix Espargaro, Andrea Iannone and Bradley Smith. But we still have to wait and see if Iannone’s suspension will be lifted by FIM for failing a doping test.
"We have a lot of knowledge, a lot of information, a lot of data. And it means that we need to take advantage of every day," said Bradley Smith.
"This has been the longest winter of recent years for Aprilia Racing. The guys and girls in the racing department put forth a truly incredible effort. Arriving in Sepang with two prototypes was already a small victory for us.
In the first test, the new RS-GP showed good signs, so we need to pick up from there to build our new season. I said it before, and I’ll confirm it again: we cannot expect a clear path.
We will most likely have a complicated early part of the season with a bike that is very much still wet behind the ears, but I am certain that from mid-season, we will be able to see the true value of the hard work done in Noale. Hopefully, we’ll have Andrea with us soon and be able to complete, along with Aleix and Bradley, our trio of riders," said Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO
"For Aprilia Racing, the 2020 RS-GP represents and unique technical challenge. The new bike was created by taking the cardinal concepts of the racing department and reworking them in light of the experience accumulated in recent seasons.
It is an innovative prototype in many aspects, beginning with the clearly visible ones, and this confirms the attitude of Aprilia Racing, which boasts technological innovation as its primary value.
As with any redesign, it will take a period of refinement. We have had an extremely heavy workload over the last few months, but I am absolutely satisfied with the result achieved. This is a satisfaction that I am pleased to share with the Noale workgroup," stated Romano Albesiano, Aprilia Technical Director.
"Hearing that the riders liked the new bike straight away in the Malaysian tests was the first bit of good news for our 2020 season. Aprilia Racing’s efforts were incredible and are a demonstration of desire and dedication for this championship.
The beginning will not be simple. The bike is very young and obviously needs to be developed.
But, I believe that the strength of a team can be seen precisely in times like these when we need to close ranks and all set our sights on the same objective.
After the enthusiasm over a good début, we’ll wait to see the response of other tracks, beginning precisely with Qatar. We all need to stay focused on a single ambition: taking this project as high as possible," said Fausto Gresini, Aprilia Team Manager.
