In 2022, Aprilia achieved its best season ever since the brand launched into MotoGP in 2015. The culmination of a movement started in 2019 and which corresponds to the arrival of Massimo Rivola at the head of the department. competition. With his F1 culture, he perceived the areas of development, but this same approach makes him understand today that, to pass what is perhaps the last milestone before subscribing sustainably to the forefront, it is necessary to reassess the budgetary question...
We may be a member of the powerful family Piaggio, we are no less subject to the same budgetary constraints as any other company. The now boss ofaprilia-racing what Massimo rivola even talks about it openly, without false modesty. By confiding in this way, he admits that if Aprilia wants to attack Ducati, it will have to develop the same ecosystem, or benefit from the support of a large investor.
And this necessity becomes imperative when the same Rivola recalls that the structure of Noale has taken on another dimension in recent times: “ There are about five more people in the company, but if you count the consultants working on the project, there are maybe ten more. We should also not forget that we have had to hire additional people since we moved from the “hybrid” structure with Gresini to a 100% factory team. – for catering, logistics, for example… So the total number is even greater ».
Massimo Rivola: “ I need to find a high-ranking sponsor«
And all this drains resources already widely used by the development of RS-GP. The situation is, however, the echo of a plan anticipated by Rivola. However, to go further, the Italian recognizes speedweek that we will still have to increase our power… “ To be honest, when I joined the company in 2019, I thought that if we could achieve the budget we currently have, we would be competitive – and that's it. I didn't make a big calculation error. Now we have to hold it ».
Hold it on one side, but also make it grow on the other by looking for a partner: “ what we are missing is a big sponsor. Our owner, Piaggio, covers our expenses and I am happy that they support us with such motivation. But I need to find a high-ranking sponsor. I believe we deserve this. We showed we could do it ". In these times, it won't be easy. Even if Rivola approaches the challenge with enthusiasm: “ the best sponsors wake up and turn to us. It's a good sign ».
In 2023, for the first time since his involvement in MotoGP, Aprilia will field two additional RS-GPs through its new RNF satellite team. But clearly signaling that “ what we are missing is a big sponsor » Massimo rivola recognizes that there is a glass ceiling to be broken. He once attempted an approach with Alpha Tauri. An initiative that we heard more about later.
