Aprilia’s Revelation: Key Learnings from Trackhouse Partnership and Raul Fernandez’s Transition Illuminate MotoGP Challenges

Aprilia highlights a significant insight gained through collaboration with Trackhouse

Aprilia reveals an important lesson learned from Raul Fernandez

Aprilia's Chief Executive Officer, Massimo Rivola, has stated that Raul Fernandez's transition from the 2023 RS-GP to the 2024 MotoGP bike has led them to understand that “perhaps the motorcycle differs more than initially perceived.”

Aprilia seemed to significantly advance with its 2024 RS-GP during the pre-season, quickly finding success at the start of the season, marked by Maverick Vinales' victory at the Americas Grand Prix.

As the season progressed, Aprilia has shown strength in qualifying rounds and sprint races, yet has found it difficult to compete at the leading edge during grand prix events.

Following the Aragon race, it seems that Aprilia has slipped further behind its competitors in terms of performance.

Before the San Marino Grand Prix last week, Rivola expressed his opinion that Fernandez's switch to the RS-GP 24 at Silverstone has highlighted the significant differences between this year's model and the previous one, potentially clarifying the challenges it has faced.

"Rivola mentioned that their partnership with Trackhouse is extremely positive."

"I've been acquainted with Davide [Brivio] for a considerable time, and he's the ideal leader for a satellite team that we could possibly have.

"I have a great deal of faith in his expertise and his ability to maintain the team's equilibrium."

"Indeed, the final few weekends have notably been a letdown for all the Aprilia teams."

"However, there are certain signals suggesting that, for instance, Raul had been riding the number 23 bike until recently, before switching to a significantly different model, necessitating an adaptation period."

"Thus, it appears the bicycle differs from our initial assumptions more significantly, necessitating greater modifications than anticipated."

"It's a process of education, and regrettably, we're not fully optimizing the performance."

"I believe the bike's performance currently does not match what we've observed in the past."

"Ultimately, our entire team has a significant amount to absorb. Every year, we make considerable changes to the motorcycle, aiming to reach the pinnacle, but there's always the hazard of losing our direction."

Aprilia has faced challenges this year, resulting in it dropping below KTM in the constructors' rankings, even though both are tied at 234 points.

Regarding the areas Aprilia must focus on to enhance its performance, Rivola mentioned, “There isn’t a particular aspect. I believe the crucial factor is grasping how to effectively utilize the tyres. That’s the main point.

Ultimately, the optimal performance is achieved when the tires are operated within their ideal range.

"Thus, it's necessary to adjust the motorcycle to meet that particular goal. Often, it's challenging to duplicate due to several factors, such as the design of the track, as well as variations in grip, tarmac quality, and surface roughness."

For instance, the minute unevenness of the Aragon surface proved to be a significant challenge for us regarding traction.

"Thus, there are numerous elements to consider. The goal is to comprehend our requirements from the motorcycle to ensure its constant use."

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