Aprilia’s four-stroke RS3 racer tested for first time

Aprilia’s new four-stroke RS3 three-cylinder four-stroke GP bike was wheeled out for testing for the first time on Thursday at Jerez in Spain.

Regis Laconi didn’t throw his leg over the new machine. Instead, the honour went to veteran test rider Marcellino Lucchi, who only completed a handful of laps.

Overnight rain left the track unsuitable for testing until 1pm, although it did wash away much of the dust created by construction work to leave a clean surface when the riders began to lap after lunch.

“The rain delayed us only slightly this morning with it being our first day of work,” said Aprilia General Racing Director Jan Witteveen. “We have found that the suspension is too soft and we will be working to make it harder so that the riders have more feeling with the bike. We have a lot of work to do in order to find the right combination.”