APRILIA ON THE TRACK AT MISANO ADRIATICO
TWO DAYS OF TESTS FOR BAUTISTA, BRADL, LOWES AND DI MEGLIO
In preparation for the race that will be held on the circuit in Emilia Romagna on the weekend of 11 September, Aprilia took to the Misano Adriatico track for two days of tests. The Aprilia Racing Team Gresini riders, Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl were present, as well as the two development team RS-GP machines, entrusted to tester Mike di Meglio and Sam Lowes.
In the many laps taken in good conditions, the work in the two garages followed rather different paths. Bautista and Bradl conducted tests in preparation for the GP on all fronts: chassis, electronics and tyres. The riders felt out the possibilities offered by a few new Michelin options, in parallel with setup tests aimed at tackling the 28 laps of the San Marino Grand Prix.
For Sam Lowes, the two days at Misano are part of his gradual approach to the Aprilia RS-GP bike that he will be riding next year. The English rider improved his feeling consistently, approaching a bike that is decidedly different from the Moto2 machine he rides now, currently lying third in his category.
Mike di Meglio conducted a testing programme that dealt with the transmission (gearbox and clutch) and the cooling system, as well as the many electronics and settings management. Some of the new features and changed decided during the two days of tests will be available already for the next race at Silverstone.