'I'm happy to take one step back and reduce the aero effect...'

We pick the brains of Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing CEO, on the role of aerodynamics in MotoGP, the challenges facing the series, the prospects of BharatGP, and a lot more.

- SHIVANK BHATT

Thanks for taking time out for this interaction, and I'm hoping it's not much of an inconvenience as MotoGP is currently on a three-week break. So, how are you spending your time off?

There's not much resting between two races because you have to try to be perfect all the time. And even when the championship is over, you realise that you hardly have any time left for preparation for the following year. So, let's say that racing is a kind of job that you love and do because it's your passion, but it's incredibly demanding and takes everything from your life.

Regarding the 2023 season, Aprilia came in as a hot favourite for the title, but it hasn't really gone to plan so far...

You are right when you say that things haven't exactly gone to plan. I think we showed that the speed is there, but for one reason or the other, we haven't delivered the right performance, especially on Sundays. But, then, there's not much that you can do about things you cannot control. Where we are right now, we need to be perfect in all areas to succeed. And it's not just about being perfect in every session but also when you are not in one. For sure, we are looking forward to that race which will give us a bit more rewarding result. And I'm sure that once we win our first race this year, we will get a few more in a row.

Aleix Espargaro fought for the championship last year with the RS-GP, showing that Aprilia has a championship-winning motorcycle. Can you tell us about all the areas in which you have improved it for the 2023 season?