As speculation swirls around MotoGP rider contracts, with Fabio Quartararo recently opting to stay with Yamaha despite lucrative offers, Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, has emphasized the importance of performance over salary in rider decisions.
While Quartararo secured a record-breaking €12 million per year deal with Yamaha, Aprilia’s offer was significantly lower at around €4 million. Rivola contends that the team’s priority lies in investing its budget to enhance the bike’s competitiveness rather than offering exorbitant salaries.
Rivola stressed that riders should prioritize their desire to win over financial gains when considering their futures. He believes that Aprilia’s project offers a platform for success and suggests that winning will ultimately lead to financial rewards for riders.
Commenting on Yamaha’s decision to retain Quartararo, Rivola refrained from direct criticism, indicating that Yamaha appears to be moving in the right direction.
Regarding Aprilia’s lineup for the upcoming season, Rivola indicated that current riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, who took a gamble by joining the team, deserve preferential treatment. Aprilia aims to finalize its 2025 rider lineup later than other teams to allow Espargaro and Vinales ample time to express their intentions.
Despite Rivola’s pivotal role in Aprilia’s transformation since 2018, he humbly attributes much of the success to the company’s investment in MotoGP and its talented personnel. Under his leadership, Aprilia has significantly improved its performance, culminating in a third-place finish in the constructors’ championship in 2022 and its first MotoGP win in Argentina.
Rivola credits Aprilia’s growth to the Piaggio Group’s willingness to invest in MotoGP, enabling the recruitment of experienced individuals from various backgrounds. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between traditional racing culture and incorporating fresh talent to drive innovation and success.
As Aprilia continues to evolve and improve its MotoGP program, Rivola underscores the significance of both technical advancements and rider performance in achieving sustained success on the track.
