Aprilia Reflects on Key Insights from Trackhouse Partnership and Raul Fernandez’s Transition to 2024 RS-GP

Aprilia highlights an important insight gained from their collaboration with Trackhouse

Aprilia reveals a significant lesson learned from Raul Fernandez

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia, mentioned that Raul Fernandez’s transition from the 2023 RS-GP to the 2024 MotoGP bike has led to the realization that "perhaps the bike has more differences than we initially believed."

Aprilia seemed to significantly improve its 2024 RS-GP during the pre-season, starting the new campaign strong. Maverick Vinales secured a victory at the Americas Grand Prix.

Throughout the season, the Aprilia team has performed strongly in qualifying sessions and sprint races, but has faced difficulties in competing for top positions in the main grand prix events.

Since the Aragon race, it seems that Aprilia has lagged even further behind its competitors.

In a statement made before last week’s San Marino Grand Prix, Rivola suggested that Fernandez’s switch to the RS-GP 24 bike with Trackhouse at Silverstone has highlighted the significant differences between this year’s model and last year’s. This may also shed light on the challenges faced by the new machine.

"The partnership with Trackhouse is excellent," Rivola stated.

"I've known Davide Brivio for many years, and he is the most suitable team principal we could have for a satellite team."

"I have a great deal of confidence in his extensive experience and his ability to understand the team's balance."

"Certainly, the past few weekends have been rather disappointing for all the Aprilia teams."

"However, it's worth noting that Raul was riding the 23 bike up until a few races back, and now he's having to adjust to a significantly different bike."

"It seems the bike might be more distinct than we initially believed, and we may need to make more adjustments than we anticipated."

"It's a journey of learning, and sadly, we are not fully optimizing the performance."

"In my opinion, the bike's performance today doesn't match what we observed before."

“Ultimately, the entire team has a lot to learn. Each year, we make significant changes to the bike in a determined effort to reach the top, but this approach sometimes carries the risk of losing direction.”

Aprilia's recent difficulties this year have caused it to trail behind KTM in the constructors' rankings, though both have the same total of 234 points.

When discussing what Aprilia needs to examine to improve its performance, Rivola stated: "It's not just one particular aspect. I believe the crucial element is understanding how to optimize the tyres' performance. That is the key."

"Ultimately, optimal performance is achieved by utilizing the tires within their ideal operating range."

"We have to adjust the bike to suit that particular goal. It can be challenging to replicate, as the track's design, varying grip levels, different types of asphalt, and the roughness of the surface all play a role."

"For instance, the tiny surface irregularities of Aragon created significant issues with traction for us."

"There are numerous factors to consider. The goal is to determine what we require from the bike to make it suitable for constant use."

Stay Updated

Sign Up for Our MotoGP Newsletter

Receive the newest MotoGP updates, exclusive content, interviews, and special offers directly in your email.

For additional details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

Breaking News

Additional Updates

Site Index

Crash.Net

©1999-2024 Crash Media Group

It is prohibited to reproduce any part of the text, photos, or illustrations in any manner, whether in full or in part.