Aprilia is at a critical point in the Aprilia MotoGP concessions race following this weekend’s Czech Grand Prix in Brno, where its failure to accumulate sufficient points could result in a drop to the lowest concession rank. This change in position would alter the brand’s status within the MotoGP concessions system, affecting its development privileges for the remainder of the season.
Understanding the MotoGP Concessions Ranking System
The current concessions framework, updated for the 2024 season, classifies manufacturers into four categories—A, B, C, and D—based on their competitive performance. This tiered system assigns restrictions and benefits depending on the rank, with the highest category facing the strictest limitations and the lowest granted more developmental freedoms.
Rankings are calculated using the percentage of points earned relative to the maximum points attainable during two specific periods. Firstly, scores from the entire previous season are assessed to set the opening rankings for the new season. Then, a mid-season re-evaluation considers points scored from the summer break of the previous year through to the current season’s present point. This approach allows rankings to adjust based on the most recent form of each manufacturer.
Aprilia’s Position Before the Czech Grand Prix
Before the Czech Grand Prix, Aprilia holds a rank C classification, alongside KTM, having secured 34% of the total possible points from the British Grand Prix last year through the Czech event this year. A threshold of 10 points at Brno must be reached or exceeded to maintain this ranking for the remainder of the season.
Should Aprilia fall short of this target, it would slip to rank D, joining Yamaha and Honda in that category. While this may appear to be a demotion, rank D provides enhanced concession advantages, including unrestricted engine development and the ability to conduct free in-season testing with race riders—privileges that can boost a team’s competitiveness.
Implications of Rankings on Engine Development and Future Seasons
Looking beyond the current campaign, manufacturers positioned in rank C or higher will face an engine development freeze next year as part of cost-control measures progressively introduced ahead of the 2027 switch to an 850cc engine formula. This makes the rank held by Aprilia during the 2024 season especially significant for future competitiveness and strategy.
April CEO Massimo Rivola’s Perspective on the Ranking Possibility
Despite the stakes involved, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola remains focused on the team’s performance rather than the concessions ranking itself. He expressed a measured outlook on the situation, emphasizing the primary objective of on-track results.
At the moment we are not focusing on what could be the scenario,
—Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia
Rivola expects Aprilia to maintain its current ranking but does not shy away from the potential benefits if the team drops to rank D.
But we don’t care much about that, we’re focusing on pure performance.
—Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia
Recent Performance and Outlook for Aprilia in MotoGP
As the Czech Grand Prix approaches, Aprilia sits second in the manufacturers’ standings, buoyed by Marco Bezzecchi’s victory at the British Grand Prix in May. This competitive momentum is critical as the team aims to secure enough points at Brno to avoid relegation in the concessions rankings.
The outcome of this race weekend will play a pivotal role in shaping Aprilia’s development freedom for the rest of the 2024 season and beyond, making the concessions race as important as the battles on the track itself.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why is MotoGP not so popular?
A. The unfortunate truth is that entertainment often attracts more attention than sports. MotoGP is attempting to profit from this trend. However, the current MotoGP setup lacks personalities that generate exciting drama.
Q. Why isn’t MotoGP popular?
A. Motorcycling isn’t as popular as football. Most people, about 90%, don’t feel connected to it. Even if Liberty Media invests heavily in promotions, it won’t change this. In today’s world, people have plenty of entertainment choices, so this isn’t likely to shift.
Q. Which is the fastest? MotoGP is faster. To give you an example. At the 2023 Misano MotoGP, the fastest lap time was 1:31.791 by Francesco Bagnaia with a top speed of 303.3 Km/h (188.46 mph) by Dani Pedrosa.
A. When comparing speed, MotoGP bikes generally go faster than Superbike machines. MotoGP bikes are designed specifically for racing, while Superbikes are modified versions of standard road models. This results in MotoGP motorcycles usually having higher top speeds and better performance on racetracks.
Q. Has anyone won F1 and MotoGP?
A. John Surtees is well-known for being the only person to win World Championships on both bikes and in cars. He mastered motorcycle racing and Formula 1 with equal talent and courage.
