MotoGP | Aprilia: the fairing now becomes a real Venturi channel

Aprilia Racing has approved the second aerodynamic package that the MotoGP regulations allow. The new configuration of the RS-GP is the result of careful work in Toyota’s wind tunnel in Cologne with the aim of improving efficiency in the search for a better straight-line speed, but the most interesting aspect should be the greater handling in transients, to offer riders a more rideable and reactive bike.

According to the technical staff in Noale, more than twenty bodywork components have been modified or redesigned: practically every detail has been revised, revealing an almost maniacal attention to detail in the development of micro-aerodynamics using CFD.

The front wing has a less thick leading edge and a more curved shape in the side bulkhead that connects to the fairing: the blowing between the two profiles extends further outwards.

The fork flap design is new: there is no longer the diagonal fin, but only a small horizontal spoiler with a slot. The slot in the leading edge of the fairing also has a less square design with a more pronounced concavity and this element then transforms into a flow separator that follows the belly, breaking the visible Aprilia writing in two.

A vertical flap also appeared in the upper part of the hull: this is a flow diverter that prevents the expansion of hot air in that area but is channeled according to the designer’s wishes.

The lower part of the fairing is very interesting because the downforce generated when the bike is cornering at maximum lean has been increased, as well as reducing the sensitivity to lateral winds resulting from great instability.

In fact, when the RS-GP is… lying down, Aprilia Racing transforms the fairing into a Venturi channel with an extractor in the final part that is more accentuated thanks to the triangular spoiler that protrudes from the step. The “cleaning” work in this area is admirable, just as a new curious element in the leading edge of the lower part of the fairing does not go unnoticed.

Detail of the aerodynamic appendage of the Aprilia RS-GP in the lower part of the fairing

Photo by: Lorenza D’Adderio

Inside the carbon protrusion, a new aerodynamic element has been placed, consisting of two fins that extend to the hull, starting from a sort of central “keel”. This is a new devilry that was introduced by Marco De Luca, whose function remains to be understood.

Also new is the design of the spoon in front of the rear wheel: it remains bi-stage but seems to have a lower incidence while maintaining a rather long chord. In short, Aprilia plays an important card at Silverstone to evaluate what are the objective possibilities of going to challenge the dominant Ducatis…