Smith on the track for April at the final test of 2018 in Jerez

Posted on Nov 28, 2018 by Aprilia Racing Team Gresini

In the final tests of 2018 for MotoGP, Aprilia's plans changed a bit, given the unavailability of Aleix Espargaró on this first day. The Spanish rider is recovering from a bout of gastritis and in his place today was tester Bradley Smith, whereas Matteo Baiocco worked in the garage with the Aprilia Test Team.

For Andrea Iannone, on the other hand, the programme was confirmed with the rider turning 24 laps today until a crash forced him to return to pit lane. In his process of adapting to the Italian bike, Andrea finished with an encouraging eleventh best time at 1'39.008.

The tests will continue tomorrow with Aleix who, physical conditions permitting, will be back in the saddle.

Bradley Smith:
"This type of test with Aleix's material was planned, but his physical problem sped up the timeline. It was important for me to test all the material available to Aprilia in order to complete the programme and provide the technicians with the best possible indications. Compared to Valencia, some big steps forward were made. I feel much more at ease with the RS-GP. Today I compared to different types of engine and tomorrow morning I'll continue with Aleix's bike before going back in the afternoon to work with the test team."