Aprilia has embarked on an ambitious journey to position itself as a formidable challenger to Ducati’s dominance in the MotoGP arena. Despite a rocky start to the 2024 season at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Aleix Espargaró securing a podium finish in the Sprint race before dropping to eighth in the main event, and Maverick Viñales fluctuating between ninth and tenth positions, the team remains steadfast. Fueled by promising winter test results and the anticipation of shining in the upcoming races at Portimao and Austin, Aprilia’s technical director, Romano Albesiano, shares his optimism: “The indicators are there; we are on the right track… Are we Ducati’s challengers? That’s what the data suggests.”
In its quest to match Ducati, Aprilia spares no effort, though the journey ahead is long. The brand’s aerodynamic revolution has benefited from the expertise of technicians from Formula 1, recruited following Massimo Rivola’s arrival. “We have integrated at least five innovations in other areas,” asserts Marco De Luca, head of vehicle development, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport. These motorcycle-adapted technologies include lower appendages, a rear wing, and a swingarm.
The engine remains a critical focus, with new technical rules pushing for reduced displacement. Walter Scattolin, head of engine development at Aprilia, notes, “The current engines have reached an extreme degree of refinement… They should rev even higher, but we are already nearing 19 thousand revolutions.” This statement underscores the challenges and ambitions in Aprilia’s engine development.
Aprilia’s team also stands out for its organization and connectivity, introducing innovations like the intercom for instant team communication, even remotely. “We were pioneers with the Intercom,” says Paolo Bonora, the team manager. This includes a remote team, attentive to data and feedback, sometimes without consulting them for a more objective analysis.
This approach, increasingly akin to Formula 1’s, demands constant adaptation. “In F1, the intensive use of simulators is common,” concludes Albesiano. “We must consider something similar, as the complexity of management increases.”
With this comprehensive strategy, Aprilia aims not only to counter Ducati but also to reinvent itself in the MotoGP world, promising a season rich in developments and performances.