‘Extra motivation’ for Aprilia in anniversary year

Aprilia Racing launched its 2022 MotoGP RS-GP to orchestral accompaniment on Thursday morning.

Stepping out as a solo full-factory outfit after parting ways with Gresini at the end of 2021, the Noale -based team will once again see Aleix Espargaro spearhead the Aprilia MotoGP challenge alongside Maverick Viñales with Lorenzo Savadori returning as test rider for the 2022 season.

2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Aprilia’s maiden world championship title and with the performance shown at Sepang last week, both Espargaro and Vinales are hoping to make it a celebratory season in more ways than one.

“I can’t wait to get back on the track with my team,” Espargaro said from the launch. “After many years together, they are no longer just mechanics and technicians. They are truly part of my family and, from that point of view, the winter break always seems too long.

“I’m extremely pumped up. The years may pass, but I am still just as hungry as I was when I began and I’m at the top of my game physically. For the first tests, I chose a helmet with graphics dedicated to all Aprilia’s first podiums in the various classes, including the one we earned together at Silverstone. It seems like the right way to kick off the season and pay tribute to this brand’s great racing heritage. The goal is obviously to add more images to this gallery.”

“From my first moment on this team, I realised that I had been chosen for a purpose - to take Aprilia to the top of modern MotoGP,” Vinales confirmed. “This is the goal we are all working towards. I don’t think it’s fair to make predictions. I prefer focusing on the job at hand and on preparing because I believe that results are a direct consequence of our efforts.

“We had the great opportunity of