Aprilia and its new “squatting device”

Ahead of the 2019 season, Aprilia decided to work harder by recruiting Massimo Rivola, who worked for Minardi, Torro Rosso then Ferrai in F1, at the head of Aprilia Racing.

It only took the Italian two years to deploy an army of engineers from Suzuki, Ducati, McLaren, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Mercedes and develop a new motorcycle: “ These are people who return to Aprilia after leaving the company a few years ago, said Romano Albesiano, technical director of Aprilia. We're talking about people who grew up at Aprilia and who have come back. Those who come from the auto industry have a different mentality, something I've been dealing with for 30 years, it's always the same story. But we have smart people who quickly understood the challenges of developing a motorcycle. They often think that cars are more complicated than motorcycles, but in many ways it's quite the opposite. We are delighted with this mix of cultures, it is positive for the company. We have made a big step forward in the level of the group over the last two years, it's impressive. »

Vamoooos, podium!! Very happy!! pic.twitter.com/opTHVTMwQ0

— Aleix Espargaro (@AleixEspargaro) August 29

These different recruitments are probably at the origin of Aprilia's first podium in MotoGP during the last British GP. The factory, which benefits from concessions (9 engines per year, unleaded engines at the start of the season, fewer limitations in testing) unlike its counterparts, continues to progress and evaluate new solutions. The latest: the squatting device (plate change system) connected to the fork. More precisely, when accelerating, the rider is no longer required to lower the rear of his motorcycle manually (via a lever). This new device is automatic and allows you to lower the rear using the fork. A similar mechanism already exists on the Ducati. And by using a mechanical system, the regulations, which prohibit (electronically) active suspensions, are respected.

This squatting device was introduced at the Styrian GP, ​​but Aleix Espargaro did not use it at Silverstone. “ Regarding the rear device, it's strange, because Aprilia has done a very good job in recent weeks developing an automatic device that I have already used in Austria, commented the Catalan. But here, because of the track configuration, I couldn't use it. So I told the mechanics that I preferred the standard system, the manual, the one that is activated each time you accelerate. I used it on the straights and it was pretty effective. When it comes to technology and new developments, I am very happy that we have a lot of possibilities that can help me be competitive. »

By joining Aprilia from Aragon, Maverick Viñales will bring his experience to the handlebars of the Yamaha YZR-M1 and should be able to help Aprilia take another leap forward in terms of development (engine, aerodynamics, etc.).