With MotoGP champion Jorge Martin sidelined after a brutal crash at the Sepang test, Aprilia’s test team is hard at work developing a significantly improved machine for his comeback. In Martin’s absence, team-mate Marco Bezzecchi and test rider Lorenzo Savadori have taken on the challenge of refining the Aprilia, ensuring that when Martin returns, he does so with the best possible package.
Speaking after his Friday testing session, Savadori emphasized the importance of continued development.
“We are focusing on developing the aerodynamics. We are following two roads—you need to test, test, test… It’s a hard job but it’s crucial to deliver the best possible bike for Jorge when he returns.”
One notable evolution in the bike is a narrower fairing, which Savadori described as an important step forward.
“It is an evolution. We even have an instrument on the fairing to better understand the wind. We’ve only tried it for a few laps, so we need more testing,” he explained.
Savadori also detailed his work on the bike’s new electronics, noting that the team is experimenting with both used and new tyres to better understand the traction characteristics in different conditions.
“At the beginning of the race, you have a new tyre that offers more grip, but the bike must perform consistently regardless of tyre condition,” he added.
Despite being 22nd out of 23 riders on Friday’s timesheet, Savadori made it clear that the current test session was not about setting the fastest lap.
“We aren’t here for performance; our goal is to prepare the bike for Jorge. I managed to go nine tenths quicker on a soft tyre, but this isn’t a time attack,” he said.
Savadori also offered insights into his and Bezzecchi’s differing approaches around corners. He noted that while he rides in a more traditional line, Bezzecchi tends to adopt a V-shaped approach in certain sections like Corner 1.
“It depends on the corner. We are not focused on performance like Marco, because we have to get the bike ready for Jorge,” Savadori explained.
“Bez was trying something that I experimented with at the shakedown, and our feedback was similar. On track, he looks good and is progressing well with the bike.”
As Aprilia’s testing continues amid the setback caused by Martin’s injury, the team remains committed to delivering a markedly improved machine. The work being done now is seen as critical, not only to restore confidence but to ensure that when Jorge Martin returns, he has every advantage to compete at the highest level once again.
