Aprilia’s Future Hangs in the Balance: Will Vinales Stay as the New Captain?

Rivola would be 'ecstatic' if Maverick Vinales remains with Aprilia

Who is set to team up with Jorge Martin at Aprilia for the upcoming season?

Jorge Martin has been confirmed as the successor to the soon-retiring Aleix Espargaro, securing the MotoGP championship frontrunner's position. This development shifts focus to the open factory Aprilia seat still up for grabs.

Since joining forces as team-mates with Espargaro in the middle of 2021, Maverick Vinales, fueled by his inaugural Grand Prix victory with Aprilia earlier in the year, now leads as the foremost RS-GP rider, securing the sixth position in the rankings.

Should Vinales triumph as the inaugural teammate from Aprilia to surpass Espargaro in the ultimate global championship rankings, this achievement could signify an appropriate transfer of leadership to the #12.

Despite discussions about pursuing an Italian rider prior to finalizing Martin's agreement, maintaining Vinales for the period following Espargaro's tenure remains the primary objective for Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola.

"Rivola mentioned that the first step is to grasp Maverick's intentions. If Maverick decides to remain, then he couldn't be more pleased," Rivola expressed, following the announcement of Martin's contract signing.

"Rivola mentioned, if Maverick remains, he'll take on the role of 'Capitano'. He highlighted Maverick's contributions during a challenging time for Aprilia, elevating the team's performance, and introducing a unique riding style unlike Aleix's."

Therefore, the search for a domestic Italian star is currently paused, awaiting Vinales' choice.

"If Maverick isn't part of our team – I must contemplate this alternative – I observe numerous Italian riders who are exceptionally skilled. However, this is not our top priority."

Despite having his strongest beginning to a season with Aprilia, Vinales has remained tight-lipped about his plans for 2025.

Vinales stated, "I'm committed to making the best decisions for my career. Despite everything, I'm still quick. I possess a great deal of speed, and following Austin, it's become much clearer to me the level of speed I can achieve when everything aligns properly."

Currently, my dedication is fully towards Aprilia, without a doubt. I'm focusing on each weekend, aiming to have a great season moving forward.

"Regarding what lies ahead, I remain uncertain."

"I truly believe my choice will be solely based on sheer performance."

Despite 'sheer performance' possibly preventing a move to Honda, Vinales might still have options such as remaining with Aprilia, opting for a satellite Ducati – possibly even Martin's front-running Pramac spot – or taking up a position with a satellite KTM team.

Before the announcement of Martin's contract with RS-GP was made official, Vinales minimized the idea of immediately becoming the designated leader of Aprilia's team for the upcoming season.

"Vinales admitted, "My future remains uncertain. Whether I'll stay with Aprilia is yet to be decided. However, it's clear that Aleix plays a significant role at Aprilia."

"Aleix has spent numerous years at Aprilia, bearing significant responsibility and performing admirably."

Meanwhile, Espargaro appears poised for an anticipated transition to Honda in the role of a test rider for 2025, a development that caught Vinales off guard.

Rivola humorously suggested that, after playing a key role in facilitating the successful acquisition of Vinales and now Martin for Aprilia, Espargaro might be considered for a deputy position!

"Rivola noted that Aleix did an excellent job representing Aprilia to Vinales and Martin, highlighting his genuine nature of pointing out both positives and negatives."

"I'm inclined to believe that Martin's preference for Aprilia stems from the brand's steady progression over the years. It's worth noting that we are the sole manufacturer that has managed to secure race victories this year, aside from his present Ducati."

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