Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola admits the squad needs to produce a “better bike” to attract big-name riders in 2025 amid rumours it could sign Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo.
It is no secret to see how much Aprilla has improved in MotoGP in recent seasons, to the point where the team is now capable of posting regular challenges for race wins.
With a predominant number of riders retaining expiring contracts, the Italian outfit’s potential to progress further up the order could be aided through a headline acquisition.
The biggest rumour regarding a potential move to Aprilla is 2021 champion Quartararo, who has been struggling on the factory Yamaha since the beginning of last season.
The Frenchman has admitted to holding conversations with several manufacturers regarding where he will race in 2025 amid his current marque’s uncompetitive predicament.
However, Aprilla feels that its bike needs to be developed further in order to be a realistic destination for the likes of Quartararo or other standouts available on the market.
When asked whether there had been contact between April and Quartararo, Rivola told Autosport: “First of all, we are happy about our four riders but we are also not honestly sleeping.
“So we need to check around what is the situation on the market and we will see.
“The priority is to have a better bike, then we will be stronger on the market.”
With Quartararo admitting that he will make a call on his MotoGP future “quite quickly”, Rivola made it clear that Aprilla aren’t going to rush into a decision and stated that the team are more focused on building “a better bike”.
Aleix Espargaro’s loyalty to Aprilla means it is likely he will get a contract extension, having been with the Italian outfit since 2017.
With Maverick Vinales impressing last weekend at Portimao, it could mean his chances of staying on board have been enhanced.
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