In an interview with Speedweek, Razlan Razali, the director of RNF Aprilia, discussed the team’s challenges during their first season with Aprilia
Razlan Razali’s insights into the RNF Aprilia team’s first season with Aprilia reveal a complex and challenging journey. The transition from a successful partnership with Petronas and Yamaha to a new alliance with Aprilia marked a significant shift for the team. This change was not just in terms of branding and machinery but also in the overall dynamics and expectations within the MotoGP paddock.
The team’s decision to sign Raúl Fernández and Miguel Oliveira was strategic, aiming to blend youthful promise with proven talent. Fernández, a rising star in the premier class, brought a fresh perspective and potential, while Oliveira’s experience and previous successes with KTM added a layer of reliability and expertise. However, the season did not unfold as planned, primarily due to Oliveira’s recurring injuries, which hindered his ability to consistently perform and deliver results.
Razali’s reflection on the season underscores the inherent unpredictability and challenges in MotoGP racing. Despite entering the season with high ambitions and confidence, the team faced a series of setbacks. Razali pointed out the learning curve involved in their first year with Aprilia, especially as it was also Aprilia’s inaugural venture into managing a satellite MotoGP team. This scenario meant that both the team and the manufacturer were exploring uncharted territory, trying to find synergy and success with the RS-GP22 bike.
The mention of Aprilia’s inconsistent performance in the previous season, despite achieving their first MotoGP victory, highlights the fluctuating nature of success in the sport. It suggests that while the team had a strong foundation, translating that into consistent, season-long results was a more complex task.
The financial aspect, particularly the delayed payments from CryptoDATA, adds another layer to the challenges faced by the RNF Aprilia team. Razali’s comments indicate that such financial hiccups are not uncommon in the high-stakes world of MotoGP, where sponsorships and financial management play crucial roles. His experience with similar situations in the past with the Petronas team suggests a level of resilience and adaptability in handling these challenges.
Sometimes it is normal to delay certain payments when managing a team. Even when I was managing the Petronas team, we used to delay payments slightly on some occasions. I’m not sure there are any other problems other than that. For now, everything is going according to plan ,”
Overall, Razali’s account of RNF Aprilia’s season paints a picture of a team navigating through a period of transition and challenge. It underscores the multifaceted nature of MotoGP racing, where success depends not just on the skill of the riders and the performance of the bikes, but also on effective team management, financial stability, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.