Massimo Rivola is the man from whom Aprilia changed in MotoGP to finally take its step forward and thus obtain results worthy of the powerful European group of which it is part: Piaggio. Engaged in the category since 2015 with the RS-GP project, the latter has only really revealed itself since 2019 to arrive at this 2022 campaign where it is the weapon of a possible title for an Aleix Espargaró who brought into tune. Which is also a revelation.
Paddock observers agree: he did not imagine seeing Aleix Espargaró such a party in a MotoGP title race, with any motorcycle for that matter. It must be said that the Spaniard's statistics did not really define him as a terror capable of becoming king in the premier category. Because he had never won anything until then. And then there was the year 2021 where he got on a podium and this 2022 course where he was second in the provisional general classification of fabio quartararo with 21 points behind. He has one victory, acquired in Argentina, the only one of his career at this level for the moment, and, above all, he scored in the 11 races contested which defined the first part of this season.
Massimo rivola is all the more pleased with these results because they are not an accident. On the other hand, they reflect a global dynamic based on solid foundations. He explains this synergy with all the more pleasure as he draws the parallel with his former and prestigious employer in Formula 1: Ferrari. Sure speedweek, the Italian reveals thus: “ when you are technically far behind, you need to find ways to close the gap quickly. And when you need to improve performance, quality often suffers. Watch Ferrari in Formula 1, what's happening there right now ". And Aprilia does better than Ferrari in its dedicated field: “ we became a better company. Quality control has also been improved ».
Massimo Rivola: “ Aleix Espargaró started to think a little more and Brad Binder impresses me«
A metamorphosis that did not happen naturally. We had to work for it. Rivola indicates it thus: “ we have progressed everywhere. You can't point to just one area that has made us more efficient. Nor is there a single aspect that stands out that we could define as the big turning point. We have gradually improved in all areas ».
A change that trickled down to a Aleix Espargaró who understood that the chance of his life had arrived: “ he observed the trend that we were becoming a better company and our motorcycle was becoming more powerful, he also wanted to prove to us that he could provide the desired performance. Before that, the bike was not ready for the top positions. Now we don't have the best bike in the field, but we can be in front. It keeps Aleix calm. Aleix started to think a little more. As a result, its performance became more consistent » says the director of Aprilia Racing.
The same, in passing, congratulates a pilot who impresses him, as if to make him aware of the existence ofAprilia where he would undoubtedly be welcomed with open arms… “ Consistency is extremely important given today's level of competition, drivers like Brad Binder are very impressive. And he doesn't just make it to the finish line, he's often up there with the front runners. At Mugello, he was only 2 seconds from the podium. Even less in Assen. He impresses me ". The message has gotten through, but the South African is under contract KTM to 2024.
