In the MotoGP paddock, we could consider them the last of the Mohicans. Witnesses of a bygone time, where, in Grand Prix, and in the premier category, entirely private teams still had the right to be present. Because for several seasons, this status no longer exists. The grid is only made up of official structures and satellite teams. Now, it is not out of conviction that the Avintia team is here. He would definitely like to move upmarket. But there…
Indeed, there is no opportunity to evolve for men in the colors of Avintia. The Japanese of Suzuki are not ready to take the step towards a satellite ally while at Aprilia, we pulled out all the stops by being present under the cover of the Gresini structure. Which sometimes leads to particular situations, such as Aleix Espargaró in the parc ferme as best independent driver with his factory RS-GP…
Furthermore, Avintia's story is not necessarily reassuring. We will remember the case of freelance Christophe Ponsson and its consequences on the French pilot. Currently, despite two GP18s in the box, both Tito Rabat which Karel Abraham hardly impress with their results. The two men, one of whom paid his place, respectively scored two points in six races.
However, Avintia is in place and the team can count on a Reuben Xaus dedicated who is its first defender and promoter… “ This year, we have two GP18s, in the same way for example as Francesco Bagnaia, which is a great novelty and that can only lift us up. » indicates the former pilot. “ The team is growing, we also have two good drivers, who are always between 12th and 15th place. Sometimes we are even in front of Suzuki, Aprilia and some KTM representatives. As you pointed out, the Championship is very competitive, but we are much more structured, much more concentrated than before”.
Reuben Xaus discusses the team's plans for the future on motogp.com. A future that he sees linked to Ducati, even if he does not rule out the possible arrival of another engine manufacturer in two years... And the latter also makes some confessions about the riders.
« Our first priority is clearly Ducati, as we have good relationships he says. " And then on a personal level, I raced for them for quite a while, I know their DNA perfectly. Other options are already on the table. But at the moment we have a two-year contract with them, let's see what happens in the future. In any case, one thing is certain: It will be good material. Concerning the drivers, we actually have our sights set on two or three young Moto2 riders. Hoping that within two years we will have one of them ».
This question remains: Will this driver from the intermediate category have to pay for his place or not? We will remember that last year, Marc Márquez had dissuaded his brother Álex from getting into MotoGP through Avintia, advising him to wait for a better opportunity…
