Jorge Martin, the reigning 2024 MotoGP world champion, has publicly supported the idea of Aprilia recruiting a new test rider to strengthen their team. With the Italian manufacturer currently relying only on Lorenzo Savadori as their development rider, Martin’s endorsement arrives at a crucial moment as Aprilia seeks to improve a difficult start to their season. The possibility of adding Miguel Oliveira as a test rider has sparked excitement throughout the MotoGP paddock.
Miguel Oliveira Emerges as a Leading Candidate for Aprilia’s Test Team
Miguel Oliveira, who races for Pramac Yamaha but will be without a seat next season, has been widely rumored as Aprilia’s top choice for a second test rider. Oliveira’s prior experience includes competing for RNF and Trackhouse Racing in 2023 and 2024, giving him valuable familiarity with the MotoGP field and the Aprilia structure. Jorge Martin emphasized the benefit of having more than one test rider, comparing it to his own experience sharing data and insights with Marco.
“I don’t know if the rumors about Miguel are true, but having two test riders could be a fantastic advantage,”
—Jorge Martin, MotoGP World Champion
“Marco was doing all the work alone. When I joined, we could compare data and share insights. I believe it would be the same for a test team.”
—Jorge Martin, MotoGP World Champion
Oliveira’s Skills Could Boost Aprilia’s Development Efforts
Oliveira’s active involvement in racing different bikes throughout recent seasons highlights his adaptability and development capabilities. Jorge Martin praised both Savadori’s efforts and the potential that Oliveira’s addition could bring to Aprilia’s progress. Currently, Aprilia lacks the robust test rider lineup seen in other top manufacturers, and bringing Oliveira on board could close this gap significantly.
“Lorenzo is doing an amazing job, but Miguel is still active, riding different bikes. Bringing him on board would be a great move,”
—Jorge Martin, MotoGP World Champion
Comparing Test Rider Strategies Among Leading Teams
Ducati, for example, benefits from Michele Pirro’s experience and fields six motorcycles, which contributes to a detailed development process. Likewise, Yamaha, Honda, and KTM have invested in multiple test riders in the past to gather diverse data. Aprilia’s current limited test rider arrangement puts them at a disadvantage, but the possible inclusion of Miguel Oliveira as a second test rider could enhance their technical feedback and accelerate bike improvements.
What Lies Ahead for Aprilia and Miguel Oliveira?
The MotoGP community eagerly anticipates whether Miguel Oliveira will accept a test rider position with Aprilia, which could serve as a turning point for the Italian manufacturer’s campaign. This strategic decision may help Aprilia move closer to the front of the competition as the 2024 season progresses. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this potential partnership brings the performance boost that Aprilia needs to challenge more established teams.
