It's unclear what exactly happened between Ducati and Aprilia behind the scenes discussions about new concession points within the MotoGP manufacturers' association, but since then Ducati and Aprilia have seemed at loggerheads. And it's not this latest outing from Massimo Rivola about WSBK that will shatter this impression...
Between the two Italian manufacturers in MotoGP, national brotherhood does not really seem relevant given the exchanges taking place Gig Dall'Igna of Ducati Corse and Massimo rivola from Aprilia Racing. The subject here is WSBK, but implicitly we note that it is mainly a question of the approach to adopt with a view to the future regulations to be put in place in MotoGP. The arguments of Rivola reveal in passing that we have changed mentality in Noale since the departure of Gigi Dall'Igna towards Borgo Panigale…
Because it must be remembered that, under the latter's governance, criticism had been expressed about the 4 cc RSV1 which was a MotoGP machine in disguise. Max Biaggi won the title in 2010 and 2012, Sylvain Guintoli in 2014, and the brand entered MotoGP the following year. At the time, no other manufacturer was exploring regulations as radically asAprilia. With new racing bosses, the philosophy of the Noale factory has changed…
The fact remains that from 2027, new technical regulations will apply to the MotoGP World Championship, which will be adopted for the following five years until the end of 2031. With two imperatives: lowering the speed of the machines, and controlling costs. Thus, the MotoGP will not have to go faster than this top speed record established by Brad Binder on his KTM set at 366,1 km/h since Mugello 2023. Furthermore, budgets should be reduced rather than increased.
Massimo Rivola: “ we can't be slower than Superbikes »
Certainly, but opposite, there is a WSBK where we drive faster and faster. Not only thanks to the motorcycles whose evolution in competition takes them away from the series from which they come. But also because of tires Pirelli to development dedicated to performance alone. Which brings Massimo Rivola to this reflection: “ in my opinion, making MotoGP bikes too slow is not very smart. My first argument was that we can't be slower than the Superbikes ". In both cases, the dominant force in both camps is Ducati is targeted.
Et Massimo rivola makes it clear on speedweek : " we also need a price cap for production machines because it is ridiculous to allow 45 euro bikes to compete with 000 euro bikes. The only future I see for Superbike is Superstock rules. They should keep the same cool name, but just unscrew the turn signals and rearview mirror and then run. This is the message that every manufacturer wants to convey, because then they will be able to sell their motorcycles ».
He also specifies: “ the Superbike World Championship does not interest us because for the moment, it looks like a MotoGP B championship. If they set a level playing field, then I'd be happy to be part of it too ". In fact, the RSV4 Factory 1100 does not fit into the current Superbike World Championship regulations, which only allow 1 cc for four-cylinder engines. The Italian manufacturer hasn't had a Superbike like this in its lineup for years. However : " we have approved the 1100 for Endurance because we think it's a class worth taking " mentioned Massimo rivola.
