Aegerter debuts latest GP aerodynamic devices

Swiss rider Dominique Aegerter has debuted the latest in a series of aerodynamic devices that have appeared on Grand Prix bikes over the winter testing season at this week’s Qatar Moto2 test.

Differentiating from the front ‘wings’ that have appeared now on Ducati, Honda and Yamaha factory machines, Aegerter’s Kalex is now sporting a set of downward-hanging carbon fibre blades suspended from the seat unit behind him.

While not yet confirmed by the team, it is possible that the vanes, which were developed in-house by his CarXpert Interwetten team with the aid of a wind tunnel (and not with the help of manufacturer Kalex), are designed not to aid with downforce as with those in MotoGP but to create ‘dirty’ air – effectively, turbulence.

This could aid Aegerter by preventing slipstreaming on Qatar’s long straights, preventing riders from getting a clean flow of air when following him and slowing them as they attempt straight line overtakes.

Concern has been raised within the paddock about the potential for high development costs, as a number of aerodynamic modifications have appeared on Moto2 and Moto3 bikes over the winter as well as MotoGP machines.