MotoGP, Aprilia ignites the 2018 riders' market

The 2018 riders' market is beginning to show signs of simmering. All of the factory bikes are taken for next year, or rather all except one. Sam Lowes' seat on the Aprilia is in doubt and many are showing their interest in the Noale bike.

The RS-GP may not have achieved a great deal in the opening races, but the watchful riders have noted its progress. We could say that, up until now, Lowes' performance and Aleix Espargarò mistakes haven't allowed the bike, which continues to grow, to express its potential.

For this reason, several of the riders are interested for next year. These include Alvaro Bautista, who contributed to the development of the bike. The Spaniard would like to return to Noale and is in with a shot.

Cal Crutchlow also likes the Aprilia, the Brit is racing with a great bike, a Honda very similar to that of Marquez and Pedrosa and with which he won two races last year, but the Englishman would like to be part of a factory team. Something he achieved with Ducati in 2014 although that particular adventure didn't pan out.

Another option is being talked about in the paddock, though it would be difficult to work out. Andrea Iannone is in crisis with the Suzuki right now and the idea of an Italian on the Noale bike is of course appealing. The Maniac has a two-year contract binding him to the Japanese manufacturer though and there would need to be an amicable divorce. We're in the fantasy league phase but experience has taught us that anything is possible.