Aprilia will be present at the starting tapes of the 2025 MotoGP championship with several innovations, including a technical director like Fabiano Sterlacchini -formerly with Ducati and KTM - who'll bring a different point of view to Noale.
How much of you is there in the new project?
"I personally tend to depersonalize the work. It's the group that counts. In any case, there's not much of mine. The hardware was ready, and now we're focusing on the electronics, which can be modified and portable at a moment's notice, while a new engine configuration will be introduced in Malaysia to improve the behavior of the bike."
Where do you think there's room for improvement?,
"I always thought the RS-GP was weak on stop-and-go tracks like Spielberg. But then I changed my mind during the Barcelona tests. I have to say that the bike, as it is designed, is very good. There's still work to be done, however, especially in exiting corners, a phase in which movement was evident at Montmelo, to the extent that specific tires are required to reduce them."
Is it challenging to deal with a champion like Jorge Martin?
"No, it's an opportunity to compare ourselves and understand where to work and what our strengths are."
What kind of environment did you find compared to your recent experiences?
"Very similar to Ducati in approach, and the technicians come from the same universities. KTM, on the other hand, has a different culture. Let's say that the two Italian companies are more track-oriented, while the Austrian one is more dedicated to off-road, and this factor differentiates the working method."
In 2027, thanks to the new regulations, you'll be starting from scratch.
"We're already working in that perspective, but it's premature to talk about the track debut. Some ideas were already there. Now we're starting to translate them on the computer for simulations and calculations. The engine will have 50 less horse power so, for example, we'll no longer have to find anti wheelie solutions. Roughly, everyone's goal is late 2025 since, in the face of the freeze, the 2026 bikes won't be able to be that much. Sixty percent of the focus will be on the '27."
The big brands have decided to focus on Italian engineers ...
"As Sergio Marchionne said, 'we should stop self-pitying and criticizing ourselves'. In terms of engineering, we're a great country. The connection between universities and various companies is important. Because of climate and culture, we're used to using two-wheelers. In the past, we had Laverda, now Guzzi and Aprilia. The evolution of the motorcycle industry is considerable here, and this has required the preparation of ad hoc technicians. I consider our system-country as a reference."
What can we expect from the Trackhouse satellite team?
"They'll also use the factory team's motorcycle. As for the riders, Ogura should be given time to figure out how to take a MotoGP bike to the limit with these tires. Instead, Fernandez has experience and confidence. They're expecting a breakthrough since, in the past, he proved he has talent."