Rivola Warns Against Underestimating Rookie Ai Ogura’s Development Potential in MotoGP

Aprilia’s CEO, Massimo Rivola, has underlined the significant impact that rookie Ai Ogura could have on the team’s development for the 2025 MotoGP season. Rivola warned against underestimating the contributions of a new rider, particularly one as promising as Ogura, who has already demonstrated his potential in the post-season testing phase.

Aprilia’s Strong Start and Subsequent Challenges in 2024

The 2024 season started on a high note for Aprilia, marked by a notable victory at the U.S. Grand Prix with Maverick Vinales. Despite this, the team faced difficulties in maintaining consistent results, finishing third in the constructors’ championship. Several challenges, including ongoing issues with the RS-GP motorcycle, impeded their ability to fully capitalize on the early-season momentum.

The second half of the season proved particularly tough as Aprilia struggled to keep up with rivals like Ducati and Yamaha, highlighting areas in need of improvement. The shake-up in leadership, with Fabiano Sterlacchini replacing Romano Albesiano as the team’s technical director, has brought fresh ideas but also added complexity to the development process.

Ogura’s Potential as a Rookie

Rivola emphasized that the addition of a rookie like Ogura could provide fresh perspectives critical to the team’s development strategy. Having joined the team after securing the Moto2 World Championship, Ogura offers a unique viewpoint unclouded by previous MotoGP experiences.

“A rookie brings an unbiased perspective, which can be a tremendous asset for development,” Rivola remarked. “Ogura’s fresh approach can complement the experience of our seasoned riders and help us push the RS-GP to new levels.”

While Ogura is not expected to revolutionize the bike’s performance immediately, Rivola believes that his observations and feedback could help fine-tune specific aspects of the RS-GP, ensuring Aprilia remains competitive.

Marco Bezzecchi: A Key Addition to Aprilia’s Line-Up

In addition to Ogura, Aprilia has bolstered its roster with Marco Bezzecchi, a rider known for his aggressive yet controlled racing style. Bezzecchi, who secured second place in the 2023 championship, brings a wealth of experience and is expected to thrive on the RS-GP, a bike that many believe suits his natural riding style.

Rivola expressed confidence in Bezzecchi’s ability to elevate the team’s performance, stating:
“Marco’s unique qualities align perfectly with the RS-GP. His feedback during initial tests has been positive, and we anticipate he’ll be a major asset in our pursuit of excellence.”

The Importance of Team Dynamics

Rivola views the diversity of talent within the team as a key strength. With a mix of young rookies and experienced veterans, Aprilia is well-positioned to harness different perspectives, which can accelerate the learning curve and optimize bike performance.

He elaborated on the importance of maintaining a collaborative environment:
“Incorporating both youth and experience allows us to experiment with new ideas while relying on proven strategies. It’s this balance that will drive our success in the coming seasons.”

Preparing for a Competitive 2025 Season

Looking ahead, Rivola acknowledged that the competition is fiercer than ever, with manufacturers like Yamaha and Suzuki making strides in their development programs. However, he remains optimistic about Aprilia’s prospects, citing the team’s strong foundation and strategic acquisitions.

“The 2025 season will be highly competitive, but we are confident in our preparation. With Ogura’s potential and Bezzecchi’s proven track record, we are ready to take on the challenge,” Rivola concluded.

With a renewed focus on innovation and a talented roster, Aprilia aims to solidify its position as a leading contender in MotoGP. Rivola’s confidence in the team’s future underscores Aprilia’s determination to build on its recent successes and achieve even greater milestones in the seasons to come.