Trackhouse Aprilia, in its inaugural season in MotoGP, inherited Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez as its driver duo. However, the team’s first major decision regarding the drivers is still to come. It is clear that Trackhouse wants to approach its driver strategy differently and this decision will be closely linked to the team’s overall approach.
There are speculations that Trackhouse may make changes to its driver duo. One potential option is Joe Roberts, one of the leaders in Moto2, who has been gaining credibility in recent months. Additionally, there may be opportunities to recruit established MotoGP riders who did not secure spots in factory teams. With the impressive performance of the factory-spec Aprilia RS-GP, Trackhouse has a strong argument to attract the top riders.
Oliveira and Fernandez will have to compete for their positions, as is customary in motorsport. Currently, Trackhouse is the best option for both drivers in 2025, making it unlikely for them to move to another team. Although Oliveira has a better track record with five MotoGP wins, Fernandez has shown promise and has been more satisfied with last year’s model of the bike.
There is a clear solution to the uncertainty surrounding the evaluation of the drivers. Fernandez is expected to be upgraded to the 2024 bike and this upgrade will be easier when the entire team is on the same specification. However, the timing of this upgrade is still uncertain. Fernandez has already had limited experience with the latest machine and provided positive feedback.
Fernandez’s perspective on a mid-season upgrade has shifted, as he now prefers to have the same equipment as his teammates to accurately assess his performance. This upgrade would also be beneficial for Trackhouse and Aprilia in understanding the team’s overall competitiveness. Oliveira, on the other hand, is making progress with the RS-GP, but still feels there is room for improvement.
Ultimately, putting Oliveira and Fernandez on equal footing with the 2024 Aprilia as soon as possible is the logical choice for Trackhouse. This will provide a clearer picture for the team as they enter negotiations for the 2025 season.
