The name Aprilia has been familiar since 2015 in MotoGP, but in 2022 there will be something new for the Piaggio group brand. Next year, in fact, and until 2026, the Noale coat of arms will advance under its own colors, officially as a factory team, and no longer as a tenant of the Gresini stand. This team is also warmly thanked for its involvement in an RS-GP which it can always consider keeping as a satellite structure.
Things are becoming clearer regarding the future starting grid of the MotoGP. During the week, the VR46 has confirmed its ambitions to integrate the adventure with a powerful Saudi ally, while waiting to decide on a manufacturer for the supply of the motorcycles. A few hours ago, the Gresini team revealed its new organization to better display its determination to continue the work of its late creator in the category. And now Aprilia assures the promoter Dorna of its loyalty, thus guaranteeing a competition with six competing manufacturers.
From 2022, aprilia-racing will participate as a manufacturer, with the machines RS GP official on the track as a factory team, as the agreement ended with Gresini Racing team, which has accompanied Aprilia Racing's participation in the championship since 2015. Aprilia Racing holds the Gresini team in very high esteem and thanks them for these years spent together.
Aprilia is one of the most successful brands in motorcycle racing history, having won an astonishing number of 54 world titles. 38 were acquired in Grand Prix, 7 in Superbike and 9 in Off Road disciplines. With 294 GP victories, it is the European brand which has won the most races in the world speed championship. Many riders who have marked the history of motorcycling in recent decades made their debut on motorcycles from the Noale factories. Among these world champions are Max Biaggi, Loris Capirossi, Alex Gramigni, Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo, Casey Stoner, Manuel Poggiali, Marco Simoncelli and Alvaro Bautista.
Aprilia expresses its gratitude to Gresini
Massimo rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing commented: “ I am obviously happy with this agreement. From next season we will participate as an official manufacturer. This opens up new vistas and hopefully great opportunities and we will have to manage many additional responsibilities. This is a natural step for us to take as we begin to see the first positive signs of the hard work we have done in Noale, firstly on our structure, and consequently on our magnificent RS-GP bikes. At this moment our thoughts and gratitude go to Gresini Racing, who has accompanied us during these years. In sincere memory of Fausto, I wish the team and all its staff the best success for the seasons to come ».
Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna added: “ The extension of the partnership between Dorna and Aprilia is very positive news for the FIM MotoGP World Championship. We are excited to continue this association with the Italian manufacturer in a project that has set many fascinating goals, not only in terms of racing performance, but also in terms of overall technical excellence in the Championship ».
