Aprilia Eyes Stability for Trackhouse Rider Line-Up Amid Factory Team Shake-Up

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

'After replacing both riders in the factory team, it’s beneficial to maintain the same riders in the satellite team'.

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, acknowledges that having two fresh recruits, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, join the factory Aprilia team in MotoGP next season from Ducati 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 Trackhouse will independently determine its roster for 2025, Rivola's comments boost the likelihood of contract extensions for the current riders on the American team, Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira.

Both riders are in their second season with Aprilia’s satellite team, but it's their first since the team changed ownership from RNF to Trackhouse.

"Data indicates Fernandez is poised for a podium finish"

Raul Fernandez, riding the 2023 bike, stands as the leading Trackhouse competitor, holding 12th place overall. He gained attention by momentarily leading the Catalunya Sprint and achieving the team's best performance this season with a sixth-place finish in the grand prix.

"I’m a huge admirer of Raul," Rivola stated. "I extended a contract to Raul immediately following his debut race in Moto2."

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

"I can assure you that we possess data which reveals Raul's speed in ways that go beyond what you [the media] typically observe in races or lap times."

“However, the data indicates that he has the potential to secure a podium finish.”

"Clearly, many elements are necessary. A strong beginning, starting from a favorable position, but the pace is present. I'm truly an admirer of Raul and I hope he stays with us."

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

With Trackhouse joining, Oliveira, who has five KTM race wins, was elevated to the 2024 RS-GP bike. However, he has yet to reach the level of success in Sprint or Grand Prix races that official team members Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales have attained.

"Ultimately, the decision about whether [Oliveira] stays or leaves will be up to him and Trackhouse, not me. The primary responsibility falls on Davide and, of course, Justin Marks," Rivola stated.

"In my opinion, I hoped to see Miguel join Aprilia, and I continue to believe that Miguel could achieve excellent results with Aprilia."

"Last year was extremely unfortunate for a rider, as he suffered severe crashes caused first by Marc and then by Fabio. The season proved to be very challenging for him."

"This year, with the performance of the ['24] bike by Maverick and Aleix at times, the expectations were naturally higher."

“It’s accurate to say that the team began this year with the same members as last year. Since Davide Brivio joined Trackhouse, he has been bringing in fresh ideas and requesting new engineers. It's an ongoing process, and building a stronger team takes time."

"I truly hope that Oliveira and Trackhouse can figure out a way to keep collaborating, because it would be beneficial for the satellite team to retain the same riders even if the factory team changes its lineup."

"However, I am confident that with Davide's experience, he will determine the best course of action for his team."

Joan Mir, a past world champion with Suzuki who is now racing for Repsol Honda, and Joe Roberts, an American competing for the Moto2 title, have both been mentioned as potential members of the Trackhouse team for the 2025 season.

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