Why Aprilia’s MotoGP surge is no accident

Massimo Rivola is the architect of Aprilia's MotoGP programme

If there are individuals who deserve particular credit for shaping Aprilia’s rise, three names stand above the rest because of their positions and responsibilities within the structure: Massimo Rivola, CEO of the racing division and architect of the MotoGP project; Fabiano Sterlacchini, the technical director; and Marco de Luca, head of development.

Rivola arrived ahead of the 2019 season from Ferrari, where he had worked across several departments. De Luca followed him from the Scuderia. The arrival of the Italian aerodynamic specialist – and the confidence placed both in him and the group around him – helps explain why Aprilia has long been operating at the forefront of aerodynamics, to the point that some of its innovations, such as the under-seat winglet, have become trendsetters across the grid.

The flashes of brilliance seen in 2022 – when Aleix Espargaro delivered Aprilia’s first MotoGP victory and remained in title contention until the closing stages of the championship – were not sustained over the next two seasons. Yet that setback did not trigger drastic measures. Instead, Aprilia stayed the course and strengthened the organisation with another signing who would inject even more energy into an already deeply committed and ambitious group.

“We have to thank Fabiano for all the work he has done,” Rivola told a group of journalists in Le Mans that included Motorsport.com. “He gave us what we were missing. He brought us the mindset of a true racing company when it comes to dealing with problems.”

And what exactly does Rivola mean by that “racing mindset”? Faster decision-making – and shorter reaction times.

Motorsport.com understands that Sterlacchini’s management style differs considerably from that of Romano Albesiano, Aprilia’s former technical director who later moved to Honda, and whose role was ultimately filled by the former KTM engineer. In fact, Sterlacchini himself was once approached by HRC, although the two sides never reached an agreement for various reasons.

Aprilia has claimed 10 of the 15 podium spots available in 2026

Aprilia has claimed 10 of the 15 podium spots available in 2026

Most members of Aprilia’s engineering group highlight the freedom he gives them and the room he creates for proposing solutions. That atmosphere fuels enthusiasm internally and generates additional motivation – one of the key ingredients behind Aprilia’s success.

At this point, with the best bike on the grid sitting in its garage and Ducati somewhat destabilised by the uncertainty surrounding Marc Marquez’s injury – “We wish Marc a full recovery because we want to compete against the best,” Rivola said of the Spaniard – the only visible danger may come from within. Much will depend on what unfolds on track between Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.

Not only because tensions between them could escalate in future on-track clashes, something that now feels almost inevitable, but also because the Italian may eventually feel it unfair that he carried out the bulk of the development work on a machine that has now become the benchmark – only for his team-mate, who is set to leave in 2027, to reap the benefits.

Still, someone like Rivola, hardened by years navigating Formula 1’s shark-infested waters, has almost certainly anticipated the issue already – and likely devised a strategy to manage it.

Read Also:

Why Marc Marquez collapsed after his Le Mans MotoGP crash: “I’m racing with one and a half arms”

As Marquez sinks and Martin surges, Bezzecchi knows exactly who to beat for the MotoGP title

MotoGP insists on no safety compromises amid Liberty’s Miami GP ambitions

Ducati riders pinpoint Aprilia’s key MotoGP advantages after Le Mans domination

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.