Bezzecchi's Bold Statement: Aprilia's Potential Without Mapping
Marco Bezzecchi's recent performance in Malaysia showcased his comfort on the RSGP-26, an Aprilia bike. Despite a sixth-place finish after 35 laps, he emphasized the ongoing development process, acknowledging the need for further refinement to align the bike with his preferences and improve his ranking.
Bezzecchi's Perspective:
"I'm feeling good, and the bike isn't bad, but there's still much to explore and learn. We're gathering data and information, so we need more time to understand its capabilities."
Focus Areas and Improvements:
"Every aspect of the bike has room for improvement. We're currently focusing on aerodynamics and other elements, making it challenging to assess its overall performance."
Bike Delivery and Customization:
Bezzecchi expressed anticipation for the new bike Aprilia promised last year, emphasizing his desire for customization. He revealed, "It's not here yet, but it's coming. I'll let you know when I get my hands on it. It depends on Aprilia's schedule."
Bike Design and Personal Preferences:
When asked about the bike's color, Bezzecchi humorously stated, "No white wedding dress. It will be all black with classic Aprilia graphics. I have the freedom to build the bike I envision."
Seasonal Goals and Progress:
Bezzecchi's goal is to resume where he left off last season, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable but aiming for a strong start. He inquired, "Am I on the right track?"
Competitiveness and Testing Challenges:
While it's early to conclude, Bezzecchi's team is striving for a competitive edge. He noted the difficulty in assessing performance during testing due to varying programs, stating, "The test in Thailand will provide clearer insights."
Work Program and Priorities:
Bezzecchi's strategy involves avoiding Sprint simulations for now, focusing on extensive track testing. He mentioned, "Tomorrow, we'll aim for longer runs to understand tire behavior."
Weather Conditions and Bike Experience:
Despite the hot conditions, Bezzecchi admitted to feeling cold, even on the bike, adding a touch of humor. He concluded, "It's actually great. I wish it were always like this."
New Features and Feedback:
Bezzecchi praised the new features, particularly the tail, but emphasized the need for more laps to fully understand their impact. He mentioned, "They look fantastic! More testing is required, but so far, so good."
Wheelie Capability:
Interestingly, Bezzecchi noted that the bike naturally performs wheelies, eliminating the need for a specific wheelie map.
