Aprilia has “a long way to go” to reduce MotoGP deficit

The Italian marque made its biggest stride towards the front in MotoGP in 2021 seven seasons into its return, having been one of only two manufacturers allowed to build an all new bike amidst the COVID-enforced development freeze.

Aleix Espargaro proved to be a consistent top eight finisher across the campaign and scored Aprilia’s first-ever podium in the modern MotoGP era when he…