Aprilia’s technical chief Romano Albesiano believes the all-new RS-GP20 is heading in the right direction but warns that the package might not be 100 per cent race ready at Losail.

The bike is resplendent with a 90° V4 engine and front wing designed by former Ferrari aerodynamiscist Marco De Luca who is now the Noale factory’s head of vehicles.

“There has to be enough time trying to make the right decisions - which I am convinced of. If the comments from the first day are confirmed, I believe that we are on the right track,” said Albesiano after day one of the Sepang shakedown test.

“Maybe we are not very ready for the first race, also because this project started in May, but it is a success that we were ready in time for the Sepang test. I have to thank the whole working group for making sacrifices.

“There is a lot of work behind this motorcycle to take an important step. This required the commitment of the company and the people. It was important to get the first feedback, which is definitely positive, both in terms of handling and the character of the motorcycle - especially the performance of the engine.

“In addition to this aspect, it is about stability and keeping the rear wheel on the ground, which we missed last year.”

Albesiano was talking to our colleagues at GPone.com