Source: Supplied.

Aprilia Racing Team Gresini has officially launched its 2017 MotoGP World Championship team, unveiling the latest RS-GP that new signings Aleix Espargaro and Sam Lowes will ride this season.

Designed by Aldo Drudi, the updated red, white and green livery of the RS-GP celebrates what is an all-Italian project. NOW TV – Sky’s internet television arm – features predominately on the side fairing.

“For us, 2017 begins with a different situation compared with last year,” Aprilia Racing manager Romano Albesiano said. “We already know that we have a bike, the RS-GP, which has reached a good competitive level. The evolutions that we studied and applied in view of the new season concern every aspect of the bike, from its weight, which has been optimised, to overall balance, not to mention engine performance and the electronics package.

“An all-around operation, but without any drastic changes, given the good starting base, with which we want to take another step toward the goals set for the Aprilia MotoGP project. The initial feedback has been encouraging. Aleix likes the new bike and has some rather clear ideas on which characteristics have the most room for improvement, so we will be working in those areas throughout the season.

“The racing department put in a lot of effort during the winter break. Everyone understands the importance of the challenge we are facing and our front fairing is just the most visible example of Aprilia’s dedication to innovation. During the tests we stayed in a group of very competitive bikes and riders, where just a few tenths of a second can make a big difference. Our goal, after showing that we can consistently battle for the top 10, is to improve further.”

This season marks Espargaro’s return to Aprilia machinery after two strong years aboard the ART in 2012 and 2013, while Lowes makes his full-time transition to the premier class after three competitive seasons in Moto2.