#MotoGP, Massimo Rivola: “We want to keep Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone”
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola had a chat where he talked about the ongoing situation of his team and riders as both Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone have their destiny uncertain for different reason; anyway, the will is too keep both rider for 2021
Aprilia is one of the first team that will come back on track as the Italian crew planned two days of test at Misano on 10th and 11th June. Aprilia Racing brought a totally new bike during pre-season test and showed impressive development and everyone was wondering if they could fight for top position in the 2020 MotoGP World Championship.
Unluckily, Aprilia has not only to face bike’s development, but also a lot of tough situation regarding especially Andrea Iannone’s one. The Italian rider has been suspended for doping and he is still waiting for a response of his appeal. That means Aprilia does not have clear plans for 2021, even though the will is to keep racing with Iannone and Aleix Espargaro, with the Spaniard who still has to sign his contract extension.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, had a chat with gpone.com where he expressed his worries about Andrea Iannone’s sentence: “I am worried that WADA wants to give him an exemplary punishment. They are trying to create a strong ban of four years and we still do not know TAS judges President, but we do not have any communication about that”
Surely this is not an ideal situation as Aprilia has to make their plans for 2021: “We want to keep Aleix Espargaro and Andrea Iannone. Aleix is our captain, he deserves it for what he has done with us. We are really close to announce his renewal and at the same time we are happy with Iannone”.
Anyway, Aprilia will have to look to something else to replace Iannone if the ban will be confirmed: “I expect to have the sentence for the end of August, not over. They are making a lot of damage to us as we want to keep Iannone. They are ruining our season and we do not want that they are going to ruin the following one as well”
Over that, Rivola spoke about the future of the team, thinking at a Satellite Team: “It would be helpful to have more data and a better development. Ducati made a good job with their Satellite Team. We have an idea to create one for 2022, but it is not simple as you might think, but surely this is one of our goal!”
