Aprilia reveals latest innovative MotoGP aero solution at Jerez test

A new set of wings have appeared at the Jerez MotoGP test on the Aprilia RS-GP.

The wings are the latest in a line of aerodynamics innovations from the Noale manufacturer, which was the first to bring bulged ground effect fairings to MotoGP in 2022 and which has used a closeable hole in the fairing to divert air and boost top speed since the beginning of this season.

At the Jerez test, Aprilia has debuted its newest aerodynamics innovation with a new set of wings mounted on the upper fairing around the screen.

The wings are shaped similarly to the dual-plane side wings Ducati has used for several seasons, but they are placed much higher, on either side of the screen.

In this position, the wings have an impact on the air flowing over the rider’s back when they’re tucked in on a straight. The top plane is clearly curved in such a way as to create low pressure behind it and therefore a downforce effect, so these are seemingly more than simple deflectors aimed at reducing drag by managing the flow of air over the rider.

During braking, it’s possible they would be stalled by the rider sitting up behind them. 

We know that Aprilia is a manufacturer which has been open to utilising the air that flows off a rider, since it was the first manufacturer to introduce the ‘leg wings’, which are attached to the side of the seat unit, during last season. This history means that the possibility of Aprilia using these screen wings to manage the air flow over the rider can’t be completely discarded without an explanation from Aprilia or comments from the riders.

Further, the endplates do seem to be shaped in such a way as to manage the airflow around the rider, possibly to reduce drag in the straights but potentially to increase the effectiveness of the leg wings.

The wings appeared on Marco Bezzecchi’s bike during the test on 27 April, as shown in an Instagram post on Sky Sport Italy’s MotoGP page, and were paired with the boxy rear wing that debuted at the Valencia test last year and has been favoured by Bezzecchi since the start of this season and all of the Aprilia riders in Jerez last weekend.