Aprilia overhauled its V4-powered RS-GP over the winter, with its new aerodynamic concept turning heads when it was seen for the first time at the Sepang test last month.
The updated bike appears to be a clear step forward over 2023, with Espargaro enjoying a strong run to third in the half-distance race in Qatar on Saturday, finishing right behind race winner Jorge Martin (Pramac) and second-placed Brad Binder (KTM).
While the Spanish rider again pinpointed a lack of power as the main weakness of the 2024 Aprilia package, he was thoroughly impressed with how much speed he was able to carry through corners at the Losail circuit.
“In the apex of the corners, it's unbelievable, like Formula 1,” said the three-time MotoGP race winner. “It's amazing to ride this bike. I enjoyed it a lot, especially in corners 12, 13, 14, 15. It's crazy the speed you can carry in the middle of the fast corners.
“And the weak point is the engine. We know we have to work there but it's race 1, we still have time.”
Source: Autosport