Massimo Rivola is approaching this 2022 MotoGP season with high expectations born from an off-season where his two new RS-GPs played the stars. So much so that they are indeed considered outsiders. Enough to talk freely about his objectives for the first race and also look at the competition. The Italian expects good performances, and he says so…
The race directorAprilia is looking forward to the launch of a 2022 MotoGP season where its troops have perhaps never been more highly regarded. Its factory drivers Aleix Espargaró et Maverick Vinales made a strong impression during winter testing at Sepang and on the circuit of Mandalika. However, Massimo rivola, does not want to commit to a specific objective for the first round of the World Championship at Qatar, which will take place on the weekend of March 6.
« I don't want to commit to a specific objective, but it will be about being competitive in Qatar » said the Italian. “ We've always been pretty strong there. So I don't see any reason why we shouldn't be competitive there. Afterwards we will see where we are on the different routes ". Among these, he cites his favorites listed on a calendar which, with 21 meetings, has never been so full: “ I'm looking forward to the race weekend on Philip Island and I hope we won't see any more cancellations due to the health crisis. In addition to the Qatar, Assen et Silverstone also give me confidence given the characteristics of our bike. I also hope that we no longer have to have two races on the same track, because that's a big advantage for anyone who has more than two bikes on the track ».
Massimo Rivola: “ It really hasn't been that bad so far.«
Overall, MotoGP teams and their fans can expect an exciting season. Rivola plussilk: “ it will certainly be a very good World Championship “, he predicts, adding: “ MotoGP in recent years has made significant progress in technology and performance. My goal is to reduce the gap with the leaders. I think we have taken a step forward again this time. We have been doing it every year since 2019, and I am particularly proud of it. How big this stage is this year, we will see at the end when we know the average gap with the leaders. But we have certainly made further progress ».
Massimo rivola ends on speedweek : " there is a very good atmosphere in the team, also because we start the season with two drivers who are on an equal footing. We know Aleix can flip the switch in a second and set a good lap time. And we saw Maverick increase his confidence in the bike with every lap. He was also very fast on worn tires, which is a good indicator. So it really hasn't been that bad so far ».
