Aprilia Claims Only One MotoGP Manufacturer Against The Proposal For Change Of Rules

JAKARTA - Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola, has revealed that all manufacturers except one MotoGP manufacturer support changing rules that allow injured riders to complete private tests before returning to racing events.

Based on the current MotoGP concession system, Yamaha and Honda already have unlimited private tests. However, riders from Ducati, Aprilia, and KTM are only allowed to do tests in official MotoGP sessions.

Aprilia's proposed amendment will allow one-day private tests for each rider who has missed several races due to injury.

The idea was sparked by the sad start of the year for new Aprilia and MotoGP defending champion Jorge Martin.

The Spaniard has missed all but 13 rounds of pre-season tests and will miss at least three opening rounds after suffering multiple injuries.

Jorge Martin's Dilemma: Limited Testing Choices

Martin is eyeing a possible debut Aprilia in the fourth series which takes place in Qatar, mid-April 2025. However, he is eager to assess his RS-GP.

Due to the restrictions on MotoGP testing, his current closest choice is driving a production Superbike, which Aprilia says cannot fully imitate the demands for the MotoGP prototype.

Without proper testing on his racing bike, the risk is that Martin could be forced out early on his return plans.

Speaking to Jack Appleyard of Dorna in Argentina, Rivola confirmed that an official request for a rule change had been filed, but would require unanimous approval to be introduced in the middle of the season.

The proposal is rumored to be discussed on Thursday, March 27, 2025, before the 2025 United States MotoGP at COTA (Circuit of the Americas).

"I don't know if the meeting (at COTA) was for that purpose, but, yes, we made that request."

"In principle, the idea is to offer one-day trials to drivers who don't take part in many races. I think it should apply to any case."

"I apologize to the riders we didn't do this before. Their team should understand the idea!"

"However, I think it's a fair thing to do because on Friday when you come back, it's already qualifying."

"To be honest, I think if the idea is good, it's not just good for next year. I understand that everyone agrees with that, except for one person."

"We need unanimous votes to change the rules during this season. If we don't get it, I think we miss the opportunity to do something good for this sport and the safety of the riders. If that doesn't happen, it's a shame," said Rivola.

Ducati Wants To Postpone Rules Until 2026

Ducati has hinted that it will support the change in rules, but only want to start in early 2026.

Ducati indirectly rejected the regulation because for the sake of Jorge Martin's advantage, which of course could pose a threat to the manufacturer winning the 2025 MotoGP.

In response to this, Rivola really doesn't understand Ducati's way of thinking. According to him, the amendments to the rules were immediately for the benefit of all teams.

"To be honest, I really don't understand. I can't say that Jorge is a threat to Ducati for the championship. He is clearly eliminated."

"For me, it's just about doing something good for the championship. Let's just say he tried at FP1 and didn't feel good. So, we're going to lose one bike all weekend."

"So, as I said, I apologize to the riders we didn't do this before."

"However, I didn't have that idea before because it wasn't my racer or I wasn't there. So, I apologize to them," said Rivola.

Aprilia suffered further injury problems when tester Lorenzo Savadori, who competed to replace Martin, had to resign from the Argentine Grand Prix 2025 on Monday, March 17, 2025, early in the morning WIB, due to a shoulder injury.