In a significant stride towards the revival of the Aprilia brand in the realm of African raids, two specially developed Aprilia Tuareg motorcycles are set to compete in the upcoming Transanatolia Rally, scheduled to run from September 2 to 9, 2023 in Turkey.
This ambitious endeavor is part of the "Back to Africa" project and marks a pivotal moment in Aprilia's journey back to the African desert. The brand from Noale, Venice, will be fielding two Tuaregs that are specifically modified to tackle the rigors of the desert rally stage. Two riders, Jacopo Cerutti and Francesco Montanari, will be saddling up on these bikes. The pair have already made their mark on the Italian Motorally Championship, and are ready to serve as Aprilia’s main men heading into the rally rounds.
Having previously undergone successful tests in Sardinia and Friuli, the Transanatolia Rally in Turkey will serve as a rigorous proving ground for the Tuareg in preparation for future African adventures. Covering a challenging 2,500 kilometers across Anatolia, the event promises excitement and demands peak performance from both riders and their machines.
The Tuareg rally bikes, co-developed with GCorse, all have a great foundation from the Noale marque manufacturer. The Tuareg is often regarded as one of the best off-road machines available in the market today. Jacopo Cerutti, a seasoned racer, has clinched four category victories out of six races so far, coming tantalizingly close to an overall victory in the first two rounds. Cerutti currently leads the G-1000 class, a category reserved for multi-cylinder bikes over 600 cc.
Gallery: The Aprilia Tuareg Transanatolia Rally Press Photos
As for the GCorse touch, the Tuareg’s off-road capabilities are expanded upon for the rally stage. The initial phase of development focused on enhancing chassis performance, incorporating a modular frame and optimized geometries to ensure stability at high speeds and increased suspension travel.
Subsequent refinements aimed at maximizing engine reliability in the harshest conditions, including the addition of an oil radiator. Notably, a supplementary fuel tank was introduced to extend the motorcycle's range, essential for conquering the vast distances encountered in rally raids.
As for the name-brand kit, the competition-spec Aprilia is equipped with Öhlins by Andreani suspension, a complete SC Project exhaust in titanium, and a dedicated Sprint Filter air filter. Aprilia's collaboration with Metzeler, an increasingly invested player in the twin-cylinder adventure segment, has also yielded products tailored for future use in rally raids.
As the Aprilia Tuareg embarks on this pivotal journey to the Transanatolia Rally, it carries the hopes and aspirations of the "Back to Africa" project, marking a significant step towards the brand's resurgence in the world of African raid racing.
