The Aprilia Racing Group pulled off a real transfer coup on Monday: With Jorge Martin leaving Ducati, the Italians were able to sign none other than the 2023 vice world champion and current world championship leader for their MotoGP project. The successor to Aleix Espargaros, who is retiring at the end of the season, has thus been clarified. But the three other Aprilia places alongside Martin and at Trackhouse Racing are currently available.
Massimo Rivola: Maverick Vinales is our priority
The first option for the Aprilia place next to Jorge Martin is Maverick Vinales. The 29-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and an agreement to continue working together beyond 2024 has not yet been reached. Vinales’ performance in the current season has satisfied his bosses; with 100 points, he is the best Aprilia rider in sixth place in the riders’ standings. On Monday evening, Massimo Rivola made it clear in an interview with Motogp.com that Aprilia plans to extend the contract with Vinales.
“Maverick has brought our project forward dramatically. At his current level, he is the clear reference for the other Aprilia riders. Maverick and Jorge Martin are the best driver pairing for us,” Rivola praised his protégé. But Maverick Vinales knew nothing about this possible new driver pairing at the time of publication. “I have to admit that I made a mistake. I didn’t inform Maverick about the deal because I had to prepare everything with my team. The test was also taking place at the same time. The priority was to close the deal,” said Rivola.
Massimo Rivola: We have been trying to sign Enea Bastianini for a long time
In the past, Aprilia has been repeatedly linked with Enea Bastianini. After Ducati’s rejection of the factory team, he is apparently looking for a new factory contract. The Aprilia bosses would like to have an Italian in their ranks. “First of all, we have to understand what Maverick’s plan is. If he wants to stay, then we have no room for Enea,” Rivola clarified. “But Enea is certainly a great rider, we have been trying to get him to join us for some time. We will see, it is difficult to predict at the moment.”
Moto2 rider Joe Roberts was also said to be a strong Aprilia interest. The American’s recent performances have aroused the interest of his fellow countrymen. Rivola, however, dismissed the Roberts rumours. “I don’t think that will be the case because there are so many strong riders on the market right now. I think Davide [Brivio] said in an interview that it is not the right time to bring a young rider to Aprilia, and I agree with him. We will now become active in this fast-moving market and sign the four best riders for our four bikes.”