The Brno Grand Prix marked a strategic turning point for the manufacturers competing in MotoGP. Aprilia, on the rise this season, managed to avoid relegation to Group D, the largest dealership category. By scoring the required 10 points during the Czech weekend, the Noale-based brand remains in Group C, alongside KTM, and leaves Honda and Yamaha at the bottom of the manufacturers' rankings.
While some might have seen a downgrade as a technical opportunity – with more engines, fairing updates and in-season testing days – Aprilia team principal, Paolo Bonora, fully assumes this position:
« We will stay in C. That's a certainty. ", he declared to TNT Sports that holds the top spot. " Of course, Group D offers more technical freedoms, but that is not our goal.We have worked for years to beat our competitors, not to go back. »
Aprilia is going through one of his best periods in MotoGP. Marco Bezzecchi, on a factory machine, won the British GP and took podium finishes at Assen and Brno. For his part, George Martin, back after injury, has already shown promising signs. Even the satellite team TrackHouse is illustrated with Raul Fernandez, which records four consecutive top 10s.
« It is the feelings of our riders that guide us at Aprilia »
This increase in power is also due to the technical development of the RS-GP, refined in particular by the work of Lorenzo Savadori, test pilot and replacement for Martin during his absence.
« We're moving forward step by step. Each session, each race brings new developments: electronics, aerodynamic parts, internal components. The work is constant ", said Bonora.
Rather than giving in to euphoria, Aprilia adopts a measured posture. Bonora emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive mindset in the box, without burdening the drivers with excessive expectations.
« We want riders to be able to fully concentrate, to put 100% of their energy into the bike. It's their feelings that guide us. We don't need to overload them with pressure. »
Remaining in Group C, Aprilia renounces certain technical advantages in the short term, but confirms its desire to compete on equal terms with the best. A bold choice, but consistent with the current momentum of the Italian brand, now considered the most credible rival of Ducati.
