Among the challenges of a 2019 MotoGP season where many will definitely have to be held accountable, there is that of the Aprilia factory. The men from Noale who have taken up residence within the Gresini structure are desperate to see their Grand Prix adventure finally take off. A frustration all the greater as the last arrival on the KTM grid has already gained altitude. A situation that a certain Charles Pernat analyzes with passion. And for good reason, he was for a time in charge at Aprilia…
For a while, his name was even rumored for a return to business. Then there was also that of biaggi. And finally, we will have to deal with the pair Albesian-Rivola. One continuing his mission but with the support of a veteran of Formula 1. And even from Ferrari.
One will have the technique in mind and the other the general organization. For Pernat, this diagram is common sense that was perceived too late: “Aprilia did the opposite of KTM, starting its MotoGP project badly” the Italian totally lets go speedweek. “You need technical management independent of sports management. This was the case with Witteveen and myself” says he.
Before continuing: “Instead, they tasked Albesiano by giving him both roles. Engineers should just be engineers. Aprilia didn't invest much, but what's even worse is that they wasted time. They now have the right team structure, they have separated the technical and sporting management. With Andrea Iannone et Aleix Espargaró, they now have two strong drivers with an experienced test team and technicians. But it should have happened much sooner. They wasted years”.
Pernat was a former sporting director of Aprilia and is now manager of the fiery and fast Andrea Iannone. Nevertheless Massimo rivola, for sports management, comes from motorsport…
“I hope that his commitment will bear fruit, both in practice and in image. Obviously the world of two wheels is different from four wheels, and I've seen people come from that background and fail, like Barnard. Success is not guaranteed, there are two different worlds and drivers also have different mentalities. It certainly won't be easy for him, but Aprilia now has the right structure. Better late than never ! » concludes Pernat.
