Besides his significantly improved performances at the end of the season MotoGP In 2025, we must also commend the Aprilia Racing team and its boss Massimo Rivola for their relations with the press!
Indeed, the men from Noale do not hesitate to meet with her, whether it be the drivers, as in other teams, but also the members of the management team, of Massimo rivola à
Marco Di Luca via
Fabiano Sterlacchini.
This usually takes place in the Aprilia Racing hospitality area, during a meeting where humor is often mixed with interesting information.
🎤 The best way to end a great season…
Massimo Rivola: “Yes, well, because normally, at the end of the season, we’re pretty bad (laughs), so for once, we might be able to enjoy Sunday night in Valencia. But yes, honestly, I have to say that apart from Sepang, in the last 4-5 races we’ve been quite strong, and that’s a really positive trend if you also think about Tuesday’s test, which is super important, as well as next year. So clearly something we’re not used to, but we want to get used to.”
🎤 What is the key to building this?
“Certainly, the combination between Marco and the team made the difference, and… I don’t know if it was also helpful for Raúl and Ai Ogura, but for me, Marco was definitely one of the key elements. Obviously, he’s the one riding the bike, but there’s a whole structure behind him. And I think the other key was starting from the beginning of the season with Fabiano (Sterlacchini) to build, let’s say, the new Aprilia.”
🎤 Did you expect Marco to be this strong?
“I expected Marco to be very fast, really very fast. As I said before, I didn't know he was such a hard worker and such a good team player. I think those two aspects have been essential in his progress.”
🎤 Perhaps you didn't expect thathe wins his motorcycle (laughs)?
"I think he deserved it, and I think if someone like him continues to be like that, I don't see any reason for it to change. I don't know if there will be other motorcycles in his kitchen or elsewhere in his house, but he deserves it."
🎤 He's really grown up; almost the entire weight of the project was on his shoulders. He took the lead when Jorge was injured. He surprised everyone with his maturity…
“Yes, he’s grown impressively. But look at yesterday (during the Sprint): he secured P3, which was the objective. But he was disappointed, and so were we, because we didn’t deliver the level of performance we should have. So we spent some time understanding our mistake, and honestly, last night I went to bed convinced we would win the race today. And these are the things, the feelings you get when you see that the work is good, that your driver is super involved, and that the performance is there. So I can’t say I’m surprised today. Perhaps more by Raúl, who I know is super fast here in Valencia, and he made up positions, he overtook… he did a great job too.”
🎤 You say that throughout the season, he became a leader, that he moved the project forward…
"Yes, but he became a leader without ever saying “I want to be a leader”His approach was simply: let's work, let's progress, let's continue. That was it, a simple path. Believe in the project and work. Those are the two keys.
🎤 Marco had a fantastic season, but Jorge had a very difficult one. Is it complicated to manage the atmosphere in the garage?
“I think they are both very intelligent. I think Jorge understands the potential of this team and his bike. And the first thing Jorge needs to convince himself of is that he too can be there. As world champion, everyone expects even more from him, but he needs to give himself time because he doesn't need to prove to us that he's fast: everyone knows he's incredibly fast. But sometimes, when you try to go too fast, things backfire. There's a path to follow, and he has to follow it.”
🎤 With the success of the Aprilia-Marco duo, are you planning to lock in the situation during the off-season?
“It’s clear that Marco deserves to be considered a priority for Aprilia Racing. Our intention is to secure him with us. If it’s possible, great. If it’s not possible, it will be for reasons beyond my control… But clearly, Aprilia Racing and Marco are a very good partnership, and it would be a shame to break that up.”
To be continued tomorrow…
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