Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales will continue with Aprilia for two more seasons as announced by the Noale factory at an extraordinary press conference held in Mugello. The Italian brand is committed to continuity and will maintain the pair of drivers that has led it to be in the first place in the team classification of MotoGP after seven disputed races. This is the first announcement of those that remain to come until next year’s grid is configured.
Aprilia is living her best season since reaching the premier class in 2015. The first victory of the firm came from the hand of Aleix Espargaró in the third race of this campaign. After the victory in Argentina, the driver from Granollers would get three more podiums in Portimao, Jerez and Le Mans. These results would mark the end of the concessions that the manufacturer had been enjoying Until now. Although Maverick Viñales has not been able to approach the records of his boxing partner, he has contributed to the team’s success by scoring points in the last five contested events.
Aleix Espargaro He was satisfied to continue linked to Aprilia, the brand with which he has competed in the MotoGP World Championship since 2017: «This confirmation was just what I asked for. We have worked a lot together and we have grown together. We were a hope, now we are a reality. In 2021 we already saw clear signs of our steps forward and now we are able to constantly fight with the best in the world. To continue doing it with Aprilia is a pride for me. We can grow even more and we want to show it on the track».
Maverick Vinales, who joined the team in the last third of last season, was also happy to extend his contract until 2024: “I am very happy to continue working with Aprilia Racing. Now our horizons are expanding and we will be able to work continuously to achieve ambitious goals. I believe in this project and I am happy to be part of it. I have found a fantastic atmosphere in Aprilia and this confirmation gives me the peace of mind to grow as this team and I deserve.”
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, has highlighted the work carried out by the different members of the team: «What we are doing this season is the result of many components. The value of our designers and our technicians led by Romano Albesiano, the global growth of our racing department and, in large part, the synergy that our captain Aleix has skilfully built with the bike and with the team. Therefore, we set ourselves the goal of continuing in this line, both with Aleix and with Maverickand I am satisfied with these confirmations.”
Photos: Aprilia Racing / MotoGP