Source: Supplied.

The Aprilia Gresini Racing Team has delayed the debut of its factory MotoGP bike, opting to initially develop the new prototype in private rather than publicly at February’s official test.

Last year was all about gathering data for Aprilia as the brand made its return to the MotoGP World Championship. From the beginning the Noale-based factory knew it would prepare a new bike from the ground up for 2016.

Both Alvaro Bautista and Stefan Bradl will be at the Sepang test with the laboratory RS-GP, the pair getting their first taste of the new Aprilia in a private Qatar test. This test will take place as the rest of the MotoGP paddock head to Phillip Island for the second official pre-season test.

Aprilia will then join the rest of the grid in Qatar for the test ahead of the season opener on 20 March. The factory has chosen this revised testing schedule as it feels testing the new machine twice on the same track at Losail will be beneficial.

This season will see Aprilia able to utilise nine engines available and unlimited testing as they scored less than six concession points in 2015. These concessions will enable the factory to develop throughout the year with the aim of challenging further towards the front.

Work has been consistently going on behind the scenes for Aprilia as Mike Di Meglio has had multiple outings to test electronics and tyres. Most recently the 2008 125cc World Champion was in Valencia on the 17-18 January focusing on the new Magneti Marelli electronics. The Frenchman also has a test scheduled for 10-11 February in Aragon, expected to shakedown the new bike.