Aprilia's adventure in MotoGP remains a mystery. The brand is in fact part of the powerful European group Piaggio which, a priori, has the means to achieve ambition at this level. And yet, the RS-GP project is developed within the Gresini private team and, for five years, Noale's coat of arms has appeared as the one with the fewest resources. He therefore acts as an extra, which is not very good for the image. For 2020, Aprilia has promised a revolution. But without convincing, even within its ranks. And it is not the request for sponsor made by the manager Massimo Rivola which will reassure…
In MotoGP, Honda relies on Repsol, Yamaha on Monster and Ducati on Phillip Morris. We also have the project KTM to which Red Bull gives wings. But we also have Suzuki who hits his own box with Ecstar and Aprilia who keeps the funds in his drawers. For the Italian brand, that's not enough, and the project manager Massimo rivola is therefore launching an appeal for a partner who would invest, why not, in 10 million euros per year to share the RS-GP odyssey...
« We are working to find a main sponsor for 2020. It is impossible to find a backer like Red Bull, as they are quite unique ", Explain Rivola, who worked in Formula 1 for Scuderia Toro Rosso then for Ferrari. “ But yes, it's true, we are missing a main sponsor."
What are the expectations ofAprilia for the 2020 season? “ Our goal for next season will be to develop a completely new bike and see increasing performance. For me, the most important thing will be that our results in 2020 improve. As our new machine will not be mature during the first races, I always foresee setbacks during the first Grands Prix. But from the middle of the season we want to constantly fight for the top ten places. »
It is estimated that more than 100 million euros have already been paid by Piaggio in this MotoGP project, which has enjoyed moderate success over the past five years. The pennies are therefore counted and they are not forgotten when Rivola sees a 2022-race calendar emerging by 22: “ we will have no chance to have a say on the number of Grand Prix races " said Rivola. " That's why it makes more sense that we adapt to this new challenge in the best possible way. I understand when Dorna says, “Trial tests don’t make money.” » As long as we get paid for the extra shopping, it cuts into our budget. So I'm for it. But it's a condition: if we run more races, we have to get more money for it »
