Aprilia’s Ambitions in MotoGP
Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, has expressed his trust in a better campaign for his team in the upcoming season. Despite a disappointing 2024 season, where they only managed to steal one victory from Ducati, Rivola remains optimistic about their chances.
A Look Back at 2024
The 2024 season saw Ducati dominate the top four overall, with Aprilia’s only victory coming from Maverick Viñales in Austin. Rivola acknowledged that Ducati made significant improvements with their GP24, while KTM’s Acosta and Yamaha also showed progress. Honda, with Zarco, also made strides, making the championship a closely contested one.
The Departure of Aleix Espargaró
Rivola does not see the departure of Aleix Espargaró, Aprilia’s most successful driver, as a negative. Espargaró left to join HRC, but Rivola believes that his legacy will continue to inspire the team. “Aleix’s story is beautiful just the way it is,” Rivola said. “I’m curious to see the work he will do at Honda.”
Praise for Espargaró and Viñales
Rivola praised Espargaró, calling him “The Captain,” a rank earned on the track. He also commended Viñales, saying that he was a “winning bet” for the team. “Maverick is one of the most beautiful drivers to watch, of an amazing class,” Rivola said.
The Future of Aprilia
Rivola believes in the potential of his current signings, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín. He disagrees with those who think that the best duo in MotoGP will be Marc Márquez and Pecco Bagnaia on Ducati. “For me, it is the best duo in the paddock,” Rivola said, referring to Martín and Bezzecchi. “Jorge’s speed and talent are unquestionable… I think that the combination of the two drivers, both with great motivations and different origins, can be a great boost for a company like ours.”