Aprilia Aims for Stability with Trackhouse Rider Selections Amid Factory Team Overhaul

Aprilia aims for 'consistency' in selecting a Trackhouse rider: 'We analyze the data'

'After altering both riders on the factory team, it would be beneficial to retain the same riders in the satellite team'.

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, acknowledges that having two new riders, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, joining the factory Aprilia team from Ducati for the next MotoGP season is "not ideal."

"But we also have a satellite team, and I am hopeful that they will provide us with some continuity," he mentioned.

Highlighting that the decision on the 2025 rider roster is up to Trackhouse, Rivola’s comments boost the likelihood of the American team extending new contracts to its present riders, Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira.

Both racers are in their second year with Aprilia's satellite team, now under the ownership of Trackhouse, following a transition from RNF.

According to the data, Raul Fernandez is poised to secure a spot on the podium. Riding the 2023 bike, Fernandez is the leading Trackhouse competitor, holding 12th place overall. He gained attention by momentarily leading the Catalunya Sprint and achieved the team's top performance this season by finishing sixth in the grand prix.

“I’m an avid admirer of Raul,” Rivola stated. “I extended a contract offer to Raul immediately following his debut Moto2 race.”

"Although his season had its highs and lows, particularly during his initial year with KTM and last year with us, he demonstrated his speed."

“I can assure you that we possess information demonstrating Raul’s speed beyond what is typically observable in races or lap times by the media.”

"However, the information indicates that he is prepared to possibly secure a podium finish."

"Clearly, numerous elements are necessary. A strong beginning, originating from a favorable position, yet the pace is present. I'm genuinely supportive of Raul and wish for his continued presence with us."

"Miguel at Aprilia has the potential to achieve excellent results"

When Trackhouse joined the scene, they elevated Oliveira, a rider with five KTM race wins under his belt, to the 2024 RS-GP bike. However, to date, he has not been able to replicate the Sprint/Grand Prix winning performances seen from factory team riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales.

"To begin with, whether [Oliveira] stays or leaves is up to him and Trackhouse, not me," Rivola mentioned. "This decision will primarily be made by Davide and, of course, Justin Marks."

"In my opinion, I hoped to see Miguel join Aprilia, and I continue to believe that Miguel could perform exceptionally well with Aprilia."

"Last year was extremely unfortunate for a rider, as he was involved in severe crashes, first with Marc and then with Fabio. Consequently, it was a very challenging season for him."

"The expectations this year were naturally higher given the performance of the '24 bike at times with Maverick and Aleix."

"However, it's also accurate to say that the team began this year in the same state as they were last year. Since Davide Brivio came on board with Trackhouse, he has been implementing fresh concepts and requesting additional engineers. It's a work in progress, and building a more robust team requires time."

"I genuinely hope that Oliveira and Trackhouse can figure out a way to keep going because it would be beneficial to have the same riders in the satellite team, even if the factory team changes both of its riders."

"However, I am confident that Davide's experience will guide him to make the best decisions for his team."

Joan Mir, a former Suzuki world champion now racing for Repsol Honda, and Joe Roberts, an American Moto2 title contender, have both been associated with the Trackhouse team for the year 2025.

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