MotoGP: Aprilia Says Beating KTM Is Anomaly

Aprilia racing manager Romano Albesiano says that his MotoGP outfit being ahead of new rivalling manufacturer KTM this season is an anomaly almost. In the third season of comeback, Aprilia has endured mixed fortunes. It equalled its best premier class result in Qatar but lost to other strong finishes due to continuous reliability problems with its engine in most case.

The issues have restricted the Italian marque to fifth in the manufacturers’ standings only five points ahead of the latest entrant KTM with five rounds remaining. Lead Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro urged his team to give everything to bolster its position next year or consider quitting MotoGP. But Albesiano said he was relaxed about the Austrian manufacturer’s progress.

KTM’s RC16 first hit the track at the end of 2015 before making eventual race debut last year – many months before the redesigned Aprilia RS-GP made its debut. He feels positive with the fact that they are getting closer to Honda, Yamaha and Ducati.

He also highlighted several weak points but added that the team must aim to improve more or less everywhere for 2018. He points out improvement in the power delivery at low speeds and phase in the middle of the corner when the rider is not using any throttle or brake. The time the bike needs more turning ability.