Aprilia Retains Lorenzo Savadori as MotoGP Test Rider Until 2026…

Aprilia Retains Lorenzo Savadori as MotoGP Test Rider Until 2026…

In a move that underscores the growing importance of development and testing within the MotoGP paddock, Aprilia Racing has confirmed that Lorenzo Savadori will continue as their official test rider until 2026. The decision marks an extension of the relationship between the Italian manufacturer and Savadori, who has been integral to the team’s testing program over the past few seasons.

Savadori, a 30-year-old rider from Italy, first joined Aprilia’s MotoGP team in 2020 as a test rider, and has since played a crucial role in the development of their cutting-edge machinery. With a background in superbikes and a history of success in the Italian and World Superbike Championships, Savadori’s expertise has been vital for Aprilia in fine-tuning their bike to compete at the highest level of motorcycle racing.

A Valuable Asset for Aprilia’s MotoGP Program

Aprilia has made significant strides in recent years, with the manufacturer consistently improving the performance of their RS-GP bike. Savadori’s contributions to these advancements have been instrumental. His extensive testing has enabled Aprilia’s engineers to gather crucial data, refine engine performance, suspension setups, and aerodynamics, making them a more competitive force in the MotoGP field.

Throughout his tenure with Aprilia, Savadori has participated in numerous test sessions and development rides, working closely with the factory team, including riders like Aleix Espargaró, who has been leading the charge for Aprilia in recent seasons. Savadori’s detailed feedback and ability to evaluate new parts and settings have been an invaluable resource for the team as they continue to push forward in their MotoGP campaign.

“I am very happy to continue with Aprilia Racing. This extension reflects the trust and belief the team has in me,” said Savadori after the announcement. “I am excited to keep contributing to the development of the bike and help Aprilia reach even higher levels of performance. The future is very promising for the team, and I can’t wait to keep working with such a dedicated and passionate group of people.”

Strengthening the Technical Side of MotoGP

Test riders are often unsung heroes in the world of MotoGP, as their primary role is to provide feedback on the bike’s performance rather than compete for points. However, the technical development that these riders help shape often has a lasting impact on a team’s competitiveness. Savadori’s skills in understanding the intricacies of bike dynamics have been crucial to Aprilia’s growth.

His continuation with the team until 2026 is a clear signal that Aprilia is committed to maintaining a long-term development strategy, building on the momentum they’ve gained in recent years. As manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, and Ducati continue to dominate the MotoGP scene, Aprilia’s aim is to close the gap and potentially challenge for podium finishes consistently, if not a championship.

Looking Ahead: Aprilia’s Future in MotoGP

With Savadori on board for at least another three years, Aprilia is well-positioned to make further progress in MotoGP. The team will continue to rely on his extensive testing experience to guide their efforts, especially as the sport evolves with new technical regulations. As part of this strategy, Savadori’s role will likely expand to cover the testing of new components, as well as assisting with race weekend preparations when required.

For Savadori, this extended contract represents not only job security but also the opportunity to be at the heart of a major MotoGP project, contributing to the success of a team that has made remarkable strides in recent seasons. With the prospect of helping Aprilia become a consistent title contender, his role has never been more important.

As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Aprilia and its progress with Savadori in the test rider role. The stability and continuity provided by this contract extension ensure that Aprilia’s MotoGP ambitions remain firmly grounded in a long-term vision, and Savadori’s continued contributions will undoubtedly play a key part in their pursuit of success at the highest level of motorcycle racing.