Aprilia plays down ‘American rider in an American team’ for MotoGP
In the MotoGP scene, the expectation of an American rider on an American team is being weakened by Aprilia management. During MotoGP testing, Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, addressed the issue, throwing cold water on hopes of seeing a US rider on the new Trackhouse satellite team in 2025.
Joe Roberts, the talented Californian, recently took his first victory of the Moto2 season at Mugello, closing in on world championship leader Sergio Garcia by just seven points. However, Rivola was clear in stating that the current market offers very good MotoGP riders and that the priority is to choose the best available. “I don’t think that will be the case, as the market can offer us very good drivers,” said Rivola.
Rivola reiterated team principal Davide Brivio’s position that Trackhouse’s priority for 2025 is to achieve the best possible results rather than serving as a junior team for Aprilia. “I think Davide said in an interview that it is not a case of Trackhouse getting a junior rider to grow at Aprilia Racing. And I agree,” said Rivola. “We must now enter the market, which is moving quickly, and choose the best riders for the four bikes.”
The speculation surrounding the available riders is intense, with several MotoGP race winners yet to be confirmed for 2025. Among them is former world champion Joan Mir, currently with Repsol Honda. The possibility of Roberts continuing to perform well in Moto2 could strengthen his candidacy, but the competition for a place in the trackhouse is fierce.
Currently, the only rider confirmed by Aprilia for 2025 is Jorge Martin, the championship leader with Ducati Pramac. Maverick Vinales, the race winner for the factory team, and the Trackhouse duo, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, have not yet had their futures decided.
Rivola expressed optimism about Trackhouse’s future, highlighting that the team is also moving into the technical market for next year. “Trackhouse has a bright future because they are also moving into the technical market for next year. Then they will choose the pilots. Obviously, I will say what I think. Furthermore, they currently have good drivers who have not yet shown their full potential. So let’s see,” he concluded.
In short, despite American hopes, Aprilia is focused on ensuring the Trackhouse has the best possible riders to achieve success in MotoGP, regardless of their nationality. Competition in the driver market is fierce, and the pursuit of excellence continues to be Aprilia Racing’s main objective.
