Marco Bezzecchi finished in second at the Dutch MotoGP, making use of the Marco Bezzecchi new Aprilia aerodynamics on his RS-GP for the first time during the Assen weekend. The team introduced revised side-seat wings, after a positive test by Lorenzo Savadori, providing a new edge for Bezzecchi during Sunday morning’s MotoGP Warm Up session.
Testing Leads to On-Track Improvements
The decision to adopt the aerodynamic updates followed Lorenzo Savadori’s evaluation during Saturday’s activities, resulting in Bezzecchi receiving the green light to use them on race day. According to Bezzecchi, the changes were incremental but beneficial in select sections of the track compared to previous configurations.
“The new aero is very similar to the old one,”
—Marco Bezzecchi, post-race press conference at Assen
Bezzecchi explained that, in addition to trying the new aero package, he focused on refining his riding style for sector three. He identified past misjudgments in turns 10 and 11, acknowledging that studying fellow riders’ lines and on-board data helped him make decisive improvements. These efforts allowed him to exit turn 11 with increased strength, which he marked as significant in his overall performance progression at Assen. However, despite the improvements, Bezzecchi conceded that it did not provide enough advantage to challenge Marc for the lead position.
“But it wasn’t enough to try an overtake on Marc.”
—Marco Bezzecchi, post-race press conference at Assen
Savadori’s Feedback Prompts Aprilia’s Risk
Aprilia Racing took a calculated risk by rolling out the aerodynamic changes at such a competitive stage, guided by Savadori’s technical feedback. Racing team manager Paolo Bonora discussed how, given the high level of skill across the championship, taking such risks is often essential for a team’s progress.
“For sure, we have to take some risk because the competitors and this championship is such a high level that we have to take some risk,”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
With Savadori’s comments backed by the data, Aprilia felt confirmed in their belief that the updates provided a tangible benefit both for the bike and the rider. This conviction prompted them to proceed with the new aerodynamic solution for Bezzecchi. The team then sought validation from Bezzecchi after the Warm Up session, solidifying their choice based on his positive feedback.
“To be honest, we would like to have the confirmation also from Marco’s [Bezzecchi] side, and after the Warm Up he said ‘We keep it.’”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
Looking Ahead for Aprilia and Bezzecchi
The successful debut of the Marco Bezzecchi new Aprilia aerodynamics at the Dutch MotoGP reinforces the importance of ongoing development within MotoGP. The coordinated effort between Lorenzo Savadori, racing team manager Paolo Bonora, and Bezzecchi signals a willingness from Aprilia to innovate, even if the immediate results require further refinement. As the season progresses, the feedback gathered from Assen is likely to influence future aerodynamic updates, which may further enhance Aprilia’s competitiveness in the championship. Bezzecchi’s performance at Assen demonstrates how small technical evolutions, paired with rider adaptation, can contribute to notable advancements on race day.
