Aprilia is forced to make changes to its MotoGP rider lineup for the 2025 season. Retired Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales, who is moving to KTM, will be replaced by championship leader Jorge Martin and 2023 title contender Marco Bezzecchi. While some continuity would have been preferable, the new team is seen as an upgrade.
Speculation surrounds whether Aprilia’s satellite team, Trackhouse, will provide the desired continuity. Team director Massimo Rivola has hinted at the direction he expects the American satellite team to take next year. It is worth noting that his stance on current riders Raul Fernandez and Miguel Oliveira is different.
Trackhouse has not been the center of silly season rumors and speculation. The only names linked to the team so far are 2020 world champion Joan Mir and Moto2 American rider Joe Roberts. Despite the strong connection between new Trackhouse boss Davide Brivio and Mir, there are rumors that Mir will remain with Repsol Honda for two more years. This is surprising considering his recent aversion to that option.
While Roberts may seem like a good fit for the American team, he still needs to prove his worth over a longer period. Despite a strong start to the 2024 season in the intermediate class, his inconsistent performance in Moto2 raises doubts. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks has made it clear that the team will only promote American talents when they are ready to compete at the highest level, not solely based on nationality.
This situation could be good news for Trackhouse’s current team of drivers, especially for Raul Fernandez. Rivola has always spoken highly of Fernandez, but his praise has intensified recently. Fernandez is the only one of the four Aprilia riders with a 2023 bike, and Rivola believes he has shown great speed and potential for podium finishes.
However, when asked about keeping Miguel Oliveira on the team, Rivola’s response was more ambiguous. Oliveira had a difficult debut season on the RS-GP, facing multiple injuries caused by other riders. The start of the 2024 season has also been weak for Oliveira, with Fernandez often stealing the spotlight. Rivola stated that the decision to continue with Oliveira is in his and Trackhouse’s hands, not his.
Rivola acknowledged that the technical issues faced by Trackhouse in the last 18 months have also affected Oliveira’s performance. The team has undergone changes since Davide Brivio’s arrival, introducing new engineers and working to build a stronger team. Rivola hopes that Trackhouse finds a way to continue with Oliveira, as having the same riders in the factory and satellite teams would be beneficial. He is confident that Brivio’s experience will lead to the best decision for the team.
