Aprilia's "extreme" gearbox solution to blame for fire
Andrea Iannone says his Aprilia MotoGP bike caught fire during the post-Valencia test because the Italian manufacturer was trying an “extreme” gearbox solution.
Iannone caused a red flag a couple of hours into Wednesday’s running at the Valencia test when his Aprilia burst into flames on the main straight on the run into Turn 1.
Aprilia had no new items to test in Valencia – which Aleix Espargaro branded as “not at all” acceptable – but were trying different set-up solutions to apply to the development of its radical 2020 bike.
One such approach was to try and run the Aprilia’s gearbox with shorter gear ratios like its rivals in a bid to find more horsepower.
However, the Aprilia engine had never revved as high as it did during that test and ultimately led to Iannone’s bike catching fire.
“We’re not used to using a high speed like on Wednesday morning,” Iannone said. “We tried an extreme solution, because we understood that our opponents use much shorter gearboxes and consequently much higher engine revs.
“Our bike has never been [run] so high. We tried it and there was a risk.”
Commenting on the moment the fire erupted, he added: “I was so scared because it happened on the straight and the bike caught fire. I felt very warm on my feet and oil was [landing] on the brake lever.
“You are angry at the time, but I think that’s normal. We tried different solutions because we want to find a few more horsepower.
“We know that we need to improve and last night [Tuesday] we found some very interesting things.”
Iannone called Aprilia racing manager Romano Albesiano “very brave” for suggesting the idea to run shorter gear ratios, though branded the situation as “very dangerous”.
“Romano is a very brave person in this respect, because maybe we shouldn’t have risked this situation,” he added. “But he led us to find something.
"Let’s say it went wrong in one way and good in another. It was a dangerous situation and obviously frightening.”
Previous article
Espargaro 'shocked' to match Marquez with new KTM
Next article
Honda's 2020 bike no easier to ride, says Crutchlow
About this article
| Series | MotoGP |
| Event | Valencia November testing |
| Drivers | Andrea Iannone |
| Teams | Aprilia Racing Team Gresini |
| Author | Lewis Duncan |
Repsol Honda Team - Pol Espargaró Q&A
Repsol Honda Team - Marc Marquez Q&A
Why Alex Marquez doesn't care about 'shutting up' MotoGP critics
Alex Marquez's form was one of MotoGP 2020's biggest surprises and, by firmly stepping out of his six-time world champion brother Marc's shadow, he proved a few people wrong. Not that he cares about this, as he tells Lewis Duncan
How Yamaha's new MotoGP era can unchain Vinales
After the electrifying start to his Yamaha MotoGP career in 2017, Maverick Vinales has struggled for consistency. Many anticipate that the arrival of Fabio Quartararo could spell disaster, but the departure of Valentino Rossi could be just the impetus he needs.
Does KTM really need 'super engine' for MotoGP title challenge?
Fears from rival MotoGP manufacturers that KTM would build a 'super engine' for 2021 have ultimately come to nothing with the revealation that the RC16 hasn't been radically changed over the winter. But does it really need that to win the title?
How Ducati's latest Aussie union can return it to MotoGP glory
Australians on Ducatis is an iconic partnership, the marque's last one yielding its sole MotoGP crown to date. But its latest Aussie union with the often underestimated Jack Miller can end this drought.
The "balls out" battle between MotoGP's true greats
Senna vs Prost is regularly cited as motorsport's greatest rivalry. But it can easily be argued Rainey vs Schwantz can stake that claim. That rivalry was in full swing during the 1991 500cc season, remembered fondly by both stars 30 years on...
The "warrior" MotoGP rookie KTM was right to back
The 2020 MotoGP campaign featured a standout pair of rookies, but one flew under the radar as he adjusted to a shock step-up armed with very little racing experience. However as his veteran team boss explains, the faith shown in him was not misplaced
Why Suzuki's Brivio replacement must come from within
With its charismatic leader Davide Brivio leaving for Formula 1, the Suzuki MotoGP squad he turned into a world championship-winning force in 2020 has a major recruitment headache that it needs to resolve carefully.
Why Alpine's latest signing could be its best hope of F1 glory
The return of Fernando Alonso to the renamed Alpine team is a sure sign of the team's ambition. But its latest appointment from MotoGP could be an even bigger coup as it seeks to end a barren run stretching back to Alonso's 2006 world title
