Aprilia’s CEO spoke about the future and the need to reduce costs and performance: “Otherwise, the circuits won’t be enough in 2016”. He also made a reflection on customer teams
March 2, 2023
The CEO of Aprilia Massimo Rivola gave a very interesting interview to Gunther Wiesinger of Speedweek. The interview was divided into two different articles (here the originals: the first and the second)
Here are some interesting passages.
On 2027 and the possibility of reducing the performance of the MotoGP bikes…
“We agree that we should reduce the performance of the bikes. And we shouldn’t have to wait four years for that.”
As we know Dorna has decided to introduce 100% synthetic fuel (for all classes) in 2027 plus other ideas ranging from a general reduction in costs to also a reduction in the performance of the bikes…
“In general, we consider Dorna’s proposals to be a good basis for discussion. At the moment there is the idea of banning all devices, including the boot device. We also agree that there is talk of limits in aerodynamic development The most important point will be to give even more freedom to maneuver to the pilots and reduce the interventions of the electronic systems. I think that the fuel consumption will decrease because we expect the engine power to decrease. Overall we agree that we should reduce the performance of motorcycles”
A reflection on why, according to Rivola, it is necessary to block development and indeed take a step back…
“If MotoGP development continues at its current pace over the next four years and until the end of 2026, the circuits won’t be big enough for our bikes”
Rivola then spoke about Ducati, and the fact that it has eight bikes on the track…
“A maximum number of teams per manufacturer should be set. If you ride alone, you’re not showing off. MotoGP shouldn’t be a one-make cup. Almost half of the starting places are already occupied by a brand”
For Rivola Ducati is too influential…
“We should seek a compromise. I believe that a maximum number of teams per manufacturer should be set. In Formula 1 it is established that each manufacturer can supply drive units and gearboxes to two other teams. If you want to equip another team, all the others they have to agree. It’s a pretty simple rule and it works.”