After Aleix Espargaró announced his definitive retirement from MotoGP at the end of the season, Maverick Viñales will also leave Aprilia to embrace a new challenge with Red Bull KTM Tech3 in 2025.
This means a significant double loss for the Noale manufacturer, which is looking to finally enter the fight for titles in the premier class and will have to start almost from scratch in terms of riders.
Espargaró was the “helmsman” of the project – it is no coincidence that he has the nickname “The Captain”. It arrived in 2017 when results, reliability and performance were very modest, contributing significantly to the gradual progress until the RS-GP became a bike capable of challenging for podiums.
As for Viñales, he only joined Aprilia in September 2021, but has since then consolidated his position and importance within the project – being clearly visible with the growth of a new form and improved results after signing with the manufacturer. At the same time, the manufacturer ended the partnership with Gresini to become a full-fledged factory team.
Therefore, Espargaró and Viñales are not only Aprilia’s points of reference in terms of results and performance, but also in terms of experience with the bike. Anyone arriving in 2025 will know less and less about the RS-GP – even if they are one of Trackhouse Racing’s current drivers, who have only been driving the Noale machines since last year. Oliveira has only had the latest version since the beginning of this year, while Raúl Fernández has not yet had this chance.
Jorge Martín is confirmed as one of Aprilia’s riders, bringing with him the important experience of four seasons in Pramac with a Ducati – currently the most competitive bike. He is also a significant element for the project of the manufacturer integrated into the Piaggio group, but he will have to get to know a new team and bike, and adaptations can take time – especially without a point of reference like Viñales.
Therefore, it appears that Aprilia is facing a significant double loss. Not only for what Espargaró and Viñales can add to their competitors with the knowledge they have, but also for having riders with relatively limited experience within the manufacturer, the team and the RS-GP.
