During the recent pre-season tests at Sepang, Davide Brivio, team principal of Trackhouse Aprilia Racing, shared key updates about the team’s direction and ambitions in MotoGP. He highlighted the steady development of riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura alongside the evolving role of Liberty Media in shaping the championship’s future. Brivio emphasized that the team’s strategy, built around stability and long-term preparation, aims to position Trackhouse Aprilia strongly in the competitive landscape.
Maintaining Stability Through Winter to Strengthen Team Foundations
Brivio described the off-season period as one of consistency and calm for Trackhouse Aprilia.
“It’s been a pretty normal winter for us. We opted for a strategy of great stability within the team,”
he commented. By retaining existing staff and securing long-term agreements with their riders, the team avoided disruptions that might have hampered early-season preparation.
Raúl Fernández’s Rapid Growth Places Trackhouse in the Spotlight
Spanish rider Raúl Fernández emerged as a standout figure by the end of last season, capturing a breakthrough victory at Phillip Island that boosted confidence throughout Trackhouse Aprilia. Brivio pointed out that the team’s expectations were balanced by trust in their own potential.
“More than pressure, I would say it’s about expectations and confidence in our capabilities,”
he noted. After early struggles to collect points, Fernández found his rhythm, consistently finishing in the top ten, which allowed him to shed self-doubt and elevate his performance significantly. Brivio said,
“At the start of the season, we struggled to score points, but soon we found ourselves consistently in the top ten. With growing confidence, he became more relaxed and shed his doubts.”
Ai Ogura’s Learning Curve and Recovery After Setbacks
On the other side of the garage, rookie Ai Ogura faced a challenging introduction to MotoGP. Brivio explained that while Ogura began his season strongly, injuries and difficulties broke his momentum.
“He started off strong, perhaps too strong. We knew it wouldn’t always be that way,”
Brivio reflected. Ogura’s interruption in development was difficult but he showed improvement as the season progressed.
“For a rookie, losing rhythm during a crucial growth phase is tough. It was a challenging time, but by season’s end, he was regaining his form.”
Brivio remains optimistic about Ogura’s prospects, stating,
“He completed his year of experience, and now it’s time to capitalize on it. He has potential, and I have a lot of confidence in him.”
Future Collaborations with Aprilia to Continue and Evolve
Trackhouse Aprilia’s partnership with Aprilia began as the manufacturer’s first satellite team experience, and with the current agreement nearing completion, talks for renewal are underway. Brivio confirmed ongoing discussions with positive progress.
“The plan is to extend the contract with Aprilia. We are already in discussions, and the major aspects are quite defined; only details remain,”
he said. Highlighting the growing relationship, he added,
“For them, it was their first experience with a satellite team, and now we’re entering our third year together. We have constructive discussions ahead to enhance our collaboration.”
Liberty Media’s Influence Seen as Catalyst for MotoGP’s Expansion
Looking ahead, Brivio expressed enthusiasm about the impact Liberty Media could have on MotoGP’s development globally. He believes the focus will be on improving fan engagement through communication and marketing strategies.
“The main goal will be to enhance communication and marketing efforts, increase viewership, and grow our fan base,”
he stated. Drawn from observations in Formula 1, Brivio acknowledged the importance of tailoring strategies to MotoGP specifically.
“You can’t simply copy and paste from F1 to MotoGP, but their experience will be invaluable.”
He also mentioned the thrilling nature of race action but suggested that cultivating charismatic rider personalities could further captivate audiences:
“The races are spectacular; perhaps we need more charismatic rider profiles that engage beyond the track.”
Proposed Changes to Race Weekend Structure for Greater Excitement
Brivio shared his ideas on enhancing the race weekend format to increase excitement and fan interest. He proposed that Friday sessions should be used to set the grid for sprint races, followed by a dedicated qualifying session to determine Sunday’s starting positions.
“Fridays should determine the grid for the sprint race, followed by a genuine qualifying session for Sunday’s race. This would elevate the spectacle and spark greater interest,”
he suggested. Although he recommends these modifications, Brivio emphasized that the priority remains strengthening media coverage and promoting the championship overall.
“The sporting aspect is functioning well; everything can be improved, but right now, the media aspect should take precedence.”
A Critical Moment as Trackhouse Aprilia Prepares for an Important Season
With the upcoming MotoGP season approaching, Davide Brivio’s remarks shed light on a decisive phase for Trackhouse Aprilia. Their combination of seasoned leadership, emerging talent in Fernández and Ogura, and a dynamic partnership with Aprilia position the team to make a significant impact. Meanwhile, Liberty Media’s management and potential race format innovations signal a period of transformation for the entire championship. Fans worldwide can expect heightened competition and evolving entertainment value as MotoGP moves into this new chapter.
