Aprilia sets dates for testing return at Misano
The Aprilia MotoGP squad will resume testing for the first time since the coronavirus-induced shutdown took hold at Misano next weekend.
With COVID-19-related lockdown restrictions beginning to ease across Europe, race tracks have begun opening their doors to track days and private testing.
Last week, KTM brought its MotoGP bikes to Austrian Grand Prix venue the Red Bull Ring for a two-day private test with Pol Espargaro and Dani Pedrosa – marking the first on-track action for MotoGP since February’s Qatar test.
Aprilia will be the next MotoGP squad to return to the track, as it gets set for a two-day private test at San Marino Grand Prix venue Misano with test rider Bradley Smith on June 10-11.
The Italian manufacturer will also be in action again at the end of the month, with test rider Smith and full-time rider Aleix Espargaro in attendance.
Motorsport.com understands that this will be as part of the first group MotoGP test since February, as Ducati has rented out Misano and other manufacturers are expected to join on June 23-24, including KTM and possibly Honda.
Only Aprilia and KTM will be able to field their race riders during these private tests owing to the concession rules both brands currently operate under.
An official test is expected to be confirmed for the Wednesday prior to the planned opening round of the season at Jerez on July 19.
On Monday MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports confirmed the 2020 season will be European-based until mid-November in order to run as many races as possible, with overseas events only taking place after that point should it be safe to do so.
This coincided with the news that the Japanese Grand Prix at Motegi is cancelled for 2020, along with the Qatar, Dutch, German, Finnish, British and Australian GPs.
Share Or Save This Story
Marquez “comfortable” on Ducati MotoGP bike “but not ready for podium”
Brivio: Trackhouse offers 'great opportunity' for MotoGP and NASCAR worlds to collide
Marini urges patience at Honda as new MotoGP season approaches
Aprilia names three riders for 2021 MotoGP season
Smith a “valid option” for Aprilia MotoGP race seat
Le Mans MotoGP: Smith quickest for Aprilia in wet FP1
Vinales “very sad” MotoGP season ending after “very late” start
Vinales “satisfied” with Aprilia MotoGP move
Vinales out of "my comfort zone" in Aprilia MotoGP debut
Turner Motorsport chases unprecedented North American sports car title trifecta
WRC Sardinia: Thierry Neuville snatches lead from Adrien Fourmaux as Hyundai remains on top
Winward faces Petit Le Mans challenge in bid for IMSA GTD three-peat
Voting open for Autosport Best of the Month nominees: September 2026
How to make two MotoGP grids with a single qualifying session
What we learned from an emotional MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix
Are Aprilia riders making it too easy for Marc Marquez to win the 2026 MotoGP title?
What we learned from MotoGP’s decisive San Marino Grand Prix
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments