A fall in Q1 behind the disqualification of Ogura

The Japanese rider had not benefited from this software change, according to Aprilia. "The mapping we sent was intended for the correct firmware version, where stability control is disabled. We also tried to explain that all the coefficients are zero regarding our electronic action. But the firmware version was wrong," Aprilia technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini explained to our colleagues at The Race. "From a hardware point of view, nothing changes, because the performance is there without any advantage. From a legal point of view, it's sometimes the formal part that is important. So it's something we have to accept."

It was indeed the letter of the regulations that was applied here, as is always the case in cases of a technical nature. The error was apparently made following Ai Ogura's crash in Q1. The Trackhouse mechanics had to rebuild his bike using different spare parts. The electronic control unit used was therefore clearly set with a new version of the software, which was tested during pre-season testing. It is possible that this new version of the Magneti Marelli electronics will be used during the season, but it has not yet been homologated by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.

When the ECU included the parameters required for Sunday's Grand Prix, the bike reacted as if the software were homologated. The Aprilia RS-GP should have entered an error code, which would have allowed the team to make the necessary changes. An unintentional blunder that caused the Japanese rider to drop from fifth to eighth place in the world championship.

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