The MotoGP World Championship returns to Spain for the second round of the season on Iberian soil. After Jerez, now it's Barcelona's turn on the Catalunya Circuit, a particularly demanding track for bikes and riders.

For the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini, the Catalunya GP represents another important exam. The RS-GP has demonstrated an encouraging performance level up to this point, especially in terms of race pace. Only a series of circumstances kept Aleix Espargaró from earning points at Le Mans and Mugello, but in both races the Italian V4 showed an excellent level of performance. This is a situation that the Spanish rider is keen to rectify, also drawing from the strong motivation provided by racing on his home track.

Sam Lowes who, at Mugello, confirmed the improvements he had already shown in the French race with an impressive race pace, is sure to be able to take advantage of the experience gained during the tests done right here on the Spanish circuit a few weeks ago. Increasingly at ease astride his RS-GP, the English rookie intends to continue his consistent growth trend.