As Aprilia gears up for the 2025 MotoGP season, there is much anticipation surrounding its revamped lineup. The Italian team has secured the talents of Jorge Martin from Ducati. Race winner Marco Bezzecchi, and promising rookie Ai Ogura from Trackhouse Racing. However, this exciting mix of new arrivals presents a challenge: integrating these riders and ensuring effective development of their new machine, the RS-GP.
The 2024 season began with promise for Aprilia, marked by Maverick Vinales’ victory at the Americas Grand Prix. Yet, the team has since faced difficulties, with CEO Massimo Rivola acknowledging issues with the RS-GP and admitting that the team is not currently competitive against Ducati. As Aprilia works to refine its bike and build a solid foundation for the future, the transition to a new lineup for 2025 becomes increasingly crucial.
With Vinales moving to KTM, Aleix Espargaro transitioning to a test rider role at Honda, and Miguel Oliveira set to join Pramac Racing with Yamaha, Aprilia faces the task of guiding its new riders through a critical period of development. The 2025 season will see a completely new roster of riders. Who will have limited time to adapt to the RS-GP before the campaign begins in Thailand next February.
The one constant in Aprilia’s 2025 lineup will be Raul Fernandez, who has recently signed two-year extension with Trackhouse Racing. Despite not achieving the breakthrough expected since his record-breaking Moto2 debut in 2021, Fernandez has shown promise. Although he scored only 51 points in the 2023 season and currently sits 16th in the standings for 2024. He has already amassed 46 points this year and secured a notable sixth-place finish at the Catalan GP.
Fernandez’s season has not been without setbacks. He started the year on the 2023 RS-GP before switching to the 2024 chassis. Which was marred by crashes and mechanical issues. Despite these challenges, Fernandez has been competitive, with his performance closely mirroring that of his teammate Oliveira in qualifying and race results.
Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks sees Fernandez as a vital asset for Aprilia’s future. “Having a veteran presence is crucial in a sport where experience is key to development,” Marks told motogp.com. “Fernandez is gaining valuable experience and understanding of the bike. Which will be essential as we integrate new riders and develop the Aprilia bike further. His feedback and knowledge are proving invaluable, making him a cornerstone of our plans for 2025.”
As Aprilia prepares for a transition, Fernandez’s growing experience and consistent performance position him as a potential leader within the team. With Espargaro departing, Fernandez may well step into a leadership role. Guiding the team through a period of significant change and development.
While Aprilia aims to leverage Martin’s prowess and other new talents in the coming years, Fernandez’s role will be crucial. His steady progress and deepening understanding of the RS-GP suggest that he could emerge as the team’s new captain, playing a pivotal role in Aprilia’s future successes.
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