The new Director of Aprilia Racing, successor to Roman Albesian who has refocused on the technical part, is experiencing the same problems as the others due to the pandemic, but he must also try to get out of the problem linked to Andrea Iannone's doping.
“In all cases of doping, the federations have always been faster than what happened with Andrea. In the pilot's first judgment it was recognized that it was not his fault. Nevertheless, the prosecution requested a four-year suspension. explained the former Ferrari F1 technician to Paolo Scalera and Riccardo Gugliemetti of GPOne.com.
“Regarding the CAS,* we are waiting to know who the president of the judges is, but for the moment we have no communication. My fear is that the AMA** will try to impose an exemplary sanction to show its importance and that the FIM will just be a spectator. All this is quite worrying, since we are talking about 18 months of suspension, but I have the idea that WADA will ask for four years for Andrea. »
*CAS = Court of Arbitration for Sport
**WADA = World Anti-Doping Agency
When should we consider hearing, why is time short?
“I think the hearing will take place no later than the end of August. I think a minimum of decency is necessary in this regard. We suffer significant harm because we want to keep Andrea. It is certain that if this season is ruined, it is unknown if it will also affect the next one. »
From this year, Aprilia will strengthen its commitment to CIV*** with the Sport Production Championship?
***Campionato Italiano Velocità
“We will be in CIV Junior during five events. Given the interest aroused by motorcycles, we opted for two categories, including that obviously linked to sports production, trying to entertain young people and with contained costs. The value of the motorcycle in fact is 9 thousand euros. As we said, we want to help young people grow. »
Massimo, have you ever thought about Aprilia's involvement in Moto3?
“I thought about it, but for now all our efforts are focused on MotoGP, because we have to put ourselves in a position to fight with the others. »
Is Aprilia missing someone like Gigi Dall'Igna****?
“I think we have a good team and I say that with a lot of respect for Gigi. For 2020 we will have to see what the bike will show, its youthful flaws. Aleix, during the Sepang test, said that the goal was the podium, but we want to keep our feet on the ground, even if I am part of the team. I have the idea that in the first three places we will get there. We have greater potential than in the past, there are more technicians and more information. »
****Luigi Dall'Igna worked for Aprilia's racing department from 1992 to 2014.
When it comes to the reliability of the new bike, is there any cause for concern?
“Time is not on our side. But we haven't had any problems so far and I'm confident. »
When will we see an Aprilia satellite team in MotoGP?
“A satellite team would be useful because it would allow us to have more information and additional development-related assistance. Ducati is an example, which has been very good in charting this path. »
“However we have the idea of an independent team for 2022, because having four bikes means having two more riders. An official team is not created overnight, although the scenario of a factory Aprilia team with a satellite Gresini team is a goal we would like to aim for. »
Where are you with the Aleix renewal?
“We want to keep him with us, he is our captain and deserves this recognition. We're in the final stretch, and like I said, I'm confident that the podium will hopefully go to him. He has done an important job with the 2020 bike, which can be considered easier and more manageable than the previous one. The engine changed the character of the RS-GP and he liked it a lot. »
And the Superbike?
“This year, we had planned wild cards with Ponsson to get a foothold in the World Championship. If Dorna and the FIM accept the 1100, we can consider a return, perhaps with a satellite team to start, but first we need to understand if they are ready to accept our bike. »
What will the MotoGP of the future be like?
“We need to reduce costs and make the premier category more sustainable. We have dealt with a number of issues in recent months with the priority mainly relating to the restart of the 2020 calendar."
“The hope of leaving Europe in November is reduced. I must say that compared to F1, Ezpeleta is a person who knows how to interact with drivers, teams and circuits, managing to be more efficient. »
What would you change in current MotoGP?
“I think it is possible to improve the regulations. It's a different world which, compared to F1, is born from a different object like the motorcycle. Perhaps I would steal certain technicians in F1, as has already been done, because bringing in men with different training allows us to progress. Even if there is more passion in motorcycling. »
Photos © Aprilia Racing, motogp.com / Dorna
