MotoGP, Massimo Rivola: "Compared to what the riders were used to, the Aprilia is more physical, more aggressive, less easy to exploit at 100%"

The 2025 MotoGP season will be remembered as a major turning point for Aprilia Racing and its boss Massimo Rivola. After a turbulent off-season, the Noale-based brand has undergone a genuine internal revolution, both technically and sportingly.

First, the biggest shock was the composition of the team. At the dawn of this new campaign, Aprilia was the only manufacturer to completely change its two factory drivers. Exit Aleix Espargaro et Maverick Vinales, and welcome to the reigning world champion George Martin as well as Marco Bezzecchi, disembarked respectively from Ducati Pramac et VR46.

In this period of transition, Raul FernandezAmong TrackHouse Racing, remained the only rider to keep the RS-GP handlebars from one season to the next. An important detail to maintain a minimum of continuity in technical development.

Sportingly, the two recruits ofAprilia have experienced diametrically opposed trajectories. Jorge Martin, victim of repeated injuries, is experiencing a disrupted season, coupled with a contractual standoff with the Italian team. An unexpected situation for the man who was supposed to embody the new face ofAprilia.

Conversely, Marco Bezzecchi established himself as the brand's new strongman. Consistent and incisive, he scored the first victory ofAprilia from the season to Silverstone, before continuing with a double podium at Assen : third in the sprint and second in the Grand Prix, just behind Marc Marquez.

At TrackHouse, Raul fernandez also had a difficult start to the year, dominated by his rookie teammate Ai Ogura. But Fernandez righted the ship with three consecutive top 10 finishes, most recently finishing with an encouraging eighth place at Assen.

Massimo Rivola: “ in aerodynamics? I don't want to sound arrogant, but I think we are the benchmark in this field »

While the RS-GP shows progress, the work remains immense. Last winter, Roman Albesian left his position as technical director to join Honda. It was replaced by Fabiano Sterlacchini, a reputed brain from Ducati and KTM.

Under the leadership of Sterlacchini, Aprilia is trying to correct the main defect identified on the RS-GP.

« Since the beginning of the season, especially compared to what the riders were used to, the bike is more physical, » confides Massimo rivola, director ofAprilia Racing.

« It is more aggressive, less easy to exploit at 100% and less consistent. So we're working on making the bike run smoother., all over the circuit. Thanks to the work of Fabiano and his men, we think we are on the right track. »

On the innovation side, Aprilia continues to establish itself as a pioneer in aerodynamics. After the ground effect fairing in 2024, the brand unveiled a new rear seat fairing this season during post-Jerez Grand Prix testing.

« In aerodynamics? I don't want to sound arrogant, but I think we are the benchmark in this field., » even dares Rivola.

Despite these advances, a mystery remains: Why does Jorge Martin already want to leave Aprilia?

The Spaniard, who is the reigning champion and is supposed to embody the future of the brand, is strongly expected at HondaA decision that raises questions even though the Japanese manufacturer, although making progress, remains generally behind in the face of the competitiveness displayed by Aprilia these last races.

In this context, the transfer market MotoGP promises to be more unpredictable than ever. What if Aprilia can congratulate itself on its technical progress, the future of its star driver remains in suspense – and could well condition the rest of its sporting project.