MotoGP Sepang Test: Aero Devices on 2024 Motorcycles Go All Out on Being F1-Inspired

At Sepang, the 2024 MotoGP pre-season testing began with a full grid, marking a turning point in the championship' continuing aero revolution. Impressive photos from this week's testing at the Sepang International Circuit show that aerodynamic improvements have been a focus of MotoGP for a long time, but that the 2024 season saw a notable increase. During the winter break, all five manufacturers stepped up their aero development efforts, but Aprilia really stood out with its creative solutions that were meant to help them catch up to Ducati and KTM. Under the leadership of Head of Vehicle Marco de Luca, Aprilia Racing has made waves with its groundbreaking aerodynamic ideas, highlighting its resolve to fight on the biggest stage. 

2024 MotoGP Sepang Test: The Aero Devices

There were a lot of new aerodynamic innovations that were revealed during the three-day shakedown that was held at the same circuit earlier. Among these were improvements to the seat unit, elaborate side structures, and updated front wing profiles. The 2024 Aprilia RS-GP, effectively controlled by Miguel Oliveira was noticeable for its fascinating array of pitot tubes fastened to the seat.

Drawing parallels to Formula 1' and MotoGP pre-season testing further highlights the visual impact of Oliveira's setup. An 'aero rake' pitot tube array is commonly seen on Formula One vehicles, which is in sharp contrast to the supposedly charming layout on Oliveira's bike.

Aprilia appears to have found practical advantages from such setups, despite the inherent issue of placing multiple aero sensors on a motorcycle due to its dynamic movements, in contrast to the more stable F1 cars. Even while pitot tubes were commonplace in Formula One in the past, they now look strange on MotoGP bikes, highlighting the unique developmental trajectory of each series.

As a bonus, it's a sobering reminder of how the MotoGP bike's back half has become such a prominent and crucial arena for growth. In contrast to other domains, MotoGP's technical requirements have less of an impact here. Aero body restrictions and a season limit on upgrade homologations are in place in MotoGP, although there is some wiggle room. 

2024 MotoGP Sepang Test: How Effective are Aero Devices on Motorcycles?

Aero is more than just an afterthought; it embodies the comprehensive viewpoint that underpinned the development of today's MotoGP bikes. Every part of riding is affected by this paradigm shift, which questions the traditional view of motorcycles as just machines. Although renowned MotoGP World Champions such as Joan Mir and Fabio Quartararo are undeniably skilled riders, they showcase their abilities on bikes where aero is treated as an afterthought or an accessory till the end of the 2023 season.

In 2027, there will be a change to the regulations of MotoGP, which would limit aero liberties significantly. Nevertheless, there are still three more seasons to go before this shift, and the terrain is littered with varied areas of emphasis for the next years, not to mention the difficulty of juggling competing priorities.