The 2025 season promises to be a year of great ambitions and transformations for an Aprilia project represented by Massimo Rivola. After saying goodbye to Aleix Espargaró, one of the cornerstones of the development of RS-GP, and to Maverick Viñales, who joined Tech3 KTM, Noale's team decided to give a new face to its project. The arrival of Jorge Martin, MotoGP world champion, and Marco Bezzecchi marks a major turning point for the Italian brand.
Massimo RivolaPDG d’Aprilia
Racingdescribed this renewal as “ biggest revolution » since his arrival at the head of the team. “ We made a journey with Aleix that led us to victory. We had super talent like Maverick, who had one of the best races ever in Austin. And then, even if I always said that stability was synonymous with performance, I changed everything“, said Rivalhighlighting the extent of the changes made to the team.
The new configuration, made up of young and motivated drivers like Martin et Bezzecchirepresents a bold bet. However, this turning point is accompanied by significant challenges. Rival mentioned that there was not only a change of drivers, but also a
new technical directorwhich makes this season even more crucial. “ The initial phase, which will begin in Sepang, will be the most critical“, he clarified. “ We will have to shorten the time so that the riders know the bike as much as possible and understand what they need. »
Massimo Rivola: in 2026 we want to be in the game. I believe in it »
Rival was clear on the short and medium term objectives. Although Jorge Martin expressed his ambition to fight to retain his title in 2025,
Rival stressed on MOW that the major objective remains to position itself as a serious competitor by 2026. “ Jorge said it a little, in 2025 it is ambitious to fight for the title, but in 2026 we want to be in the mix. I believe in it, but today the reference is not us“, he explained, recognizing that Ducati remains the absolute reference in MotoGP.
Aprilia continues to progress, but
Rival remains clear-headed about the gap to be filled with the competition. “ They have more world titles under their belt than everyone else combined. They will be the benchmark and their bike is really solid“, he admitted, while noting progress with the new RS-GP. “ The positive point of Barcelona, our friendly circuit, is that the new 2025 motorcycle was preferred to last year's. The work has taken the right direction. »
The presentation of the new 2025 motorcycleAprilia
was marked by a host of new sponsors, notably thanks to the arrival of Martin et Bezzecchi. This increased visibility demonstrates the team's growing recognition and its potential to attract major partners. However, Rival do not be satisfied with this progress. “ We are still missing the title that would take us a giant step forward“, he admitted. “ I'm quite satisfied, but the history of Aprilia must be made of victories. Winning is in the DNA of this brand. I want to win the world championship and not a few races. »
Aprilia is in full transformation to aim for the top of MotoGP. With two world-class drivers and a team that is restructuring, the Italian brand is ready to face the challenges of 2025. If it manages to stay in the top five and fight for victories, the path to the world title may be -be shorter than you think.
