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Aprilia’s Braking Challenges: Insights from Maverick Vinales and Aleix Espargaro
Maverick Vinales has emphasized that enhancing the braking performance of the Aprilia RS-GP is crucial to improving the team’s competitiveness in the MotoGP championship. Following his victory at the Americas GP, Vinales expressed concerns after the recent race at the Red Bull Ring, where the characteristics of the track highlighted a significant limitation for the Aprilia bike. Both Vinales and his teammate Aleix Espargaro faced challenges in effectively slowing down their machines, placing them at a disadvantage compared to rival teams.
Vinales stated that the inability to shift the bike’s weight adequately to the front tire during braking has hindered their performance, particularly in contrast to the well-performing Ducati GP24. He noted the importance of braking, especially on tracks where the layout requires precise control and gradual deceleration.
“These types of circuits demand great braking capability, and that’s where we have been struggling the most,” he remarked. “We recognize the need for improvements, particularly in the braking zone. For instance, on the back straight, enhancing our stopping power is vital.”
Vinales pointed to a difference in technique, observing that Ducati riders manage to keep their rear tires loose, which allows them to brake more effectively. “It seems our bike is designed in such a way that the downforce keeps pushing down rather than facilitating the weight transfer that is essential for optimal braking,” he explained. He mentioned ongoing efforts to analyze this issue, though improvement may take time.
His teammate, Espargaro, faced even more critical issues during the recent Austrian GP, where he reported significant braking failures, ultimately finishing ninth and trailing Vinales. Espargaro’s performance was hampered, finishing nearly 29 seconds behind the race winner, Francesco Bagnaia, which represents a substantial gap in competitive terms. He described feeling as though he had “no brakes” throughout the race, outlining problems with both front tire pressure and excessive carbon disc temperatures that rendered his braking system ineffective.
“From the start of the race, I struggled with braking. The carbon discs were overheating entirely exceeded the limits. I tried to rely on the rear brake, but it was not enough, and my pace was severely affected,” Espargaro recounted.
Amid these challenges, Aprilia’s management recognizes an urgent need for improvement. CEO Massimo Rivola has acknowledged the recent decline in competitive performances and hinted at potential issues within their MotoGP strategies. The Noale factory had previously introduced significant upgrades to the RS-GP, primarily targeting aerodynamic enhancements, which initially propelled Vinales to victory in Austin. However, both riders have since encountered difficulties, with KTM now narrowing the gap in the championship standings, just 14 points behind Aprilia.
When queried on whether their focus on aerodynamics might inadvertently impact the braking system, Espargaro concurred, noting that their design may need re-evaluation. “Our bike is configured in such a way that we typically run higher front tire pressures, which has advantages in certain conditions. Yet, when track temperatures rise, the braking becomes a substantial hurdle, becoming nearly non-existent due to excessive heat on the carbon components.”
As Aprilia navigates these mechanical and performance-related challenges, the insights from both Vinales and Espargaro highlight a critical area for development that could determine their future success in the highly competitive MotoGP arena.
Source
www.autosport.com