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That Joe Roberts was among the papable names on Trackhouse's shopping list for the coming seasons is a rumor that has been echoing in the paddock for months. A U.S. rider would be the ideal standard-bearer for Justin Marks' newly-approved U.S. team, which had taken over from RNF this season as Aprilia's satellite team, inheriting its riders. If, however, young Raul Fernandez in this first half of the season, despite being the only Aprilia rider without an official RS GP, has proven to have potential, and Rivola has never made any secret of this, the same cannot be said of Portuguese Oliveira, who seems to have disappointed expectations.
In these days in fact, although there is still nothing official, Oliveira therefore seems to be getting closer and closer to signing with the Pramac team, which from next season will wear the Yamaha colors ending its ten-year association with Ducati. This scenario would then open up the landing of another name on the Trackhouse roster. CEO Justin Marks himself just yesterday released to social media an amusing but sibylline message in which he winked at the "rider we need," and among them the name of Joe Roberts would undoubtedly open up several opportunities in the American market.
Rumors, nothing concrete, but the clues follow one another. The latest a singular coincidence, with Max Biaggi the leading face of Aprilia on track at Laguna Seca with young Roberts. Also portraying overtaking on the track and chatting in the pit box were past champions like Mamola and Wayne Rainey. Whether Aprilia's call has come or is in the home stretch? Mamola jokes about it and is thoughtful about the possibility, which is becoming more and more real and concrete.
Automatic Translation by DeepL
