Davide Brivio has made a bold declaration that Aprilia is closing in on Ducati, a statement that sends shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock. As the director of the Trackhouse team under Aprilia’s umbrella, Brivio has witnessed firsthand the exhilarating journey of Raúl Fernández, who clinched his first-ever victory in the premier class at the Australian Grand Prix. This triumph was not only a historic moment for the young rider but also marked a significant milestone for Aprilia, showcasing their rapid ascent in the fiercely competitive MotoGP landscape.
Brivio, a veteran of the sport with a wealth of experience, emphasized that Aprilia is “reducing the gap” that separates them from the dominant forces in MotoGP, specifically Ducati. He noted that during the opening half of the season, Ducati’s supremacy was undeniable, with multiple riders consistently occupying top positions on the podium. However, he pointed out a noticeable shift in momentum as the season progressed, indicating that while Ducati remains a formidable contender, the emergence of both Aprilia and KTM has made the championship landscape more unpredictable. “I think we saw a great dominance from Ducati early in the year, with all their riders. There were three, four, or five Ducatis always ahead. Then, by the end of the season, Ducati is still probably the best bike, but there was much more, a mix between Aprilia and KTM, and sometimes Honda.”
Brivio’s analysis doesn’t shy away from the impact of Marc Márquez’s injury on the championship dynamics. As the star rider of Honda was sidelined, Aprilia seized the opportunity to claim three victories in the last four races, a remarkable turnaround from the season’s beginning when both Jorge Martín and Raúl Fernández faced injuries. “I think this shows how good Aprilia’s development work has been, how the brand has improved over the season with many small things, small updates,” he praised. This development has not only propelled Aprilia forward but has also intensified the competition, making races less predictable and more thrilling for fans.
Reflecting on his storied career, Brivio recalled highlights from his time at Yamaha, where he celebrated four world titles alongside Valentino Rossi. He reminisced about the joy and passion that fueled their successes, even amidst the challenges and heartbreaks. “I remember the fun in the sense of facing races with a smile, with passion. As I said, results help, but we also went through tough moments,” he shared, emphasizing the camaraderie and competitive spirit that defined those years.
One of the most captivating anecdotes from Brivio’s past involves the intense rivalry between Rossi and a young Jorge Lorenzo during the late 2000s. “Talking about fun episodes between Lorenzo and Valentino is not easy, but there was something particularly significant from a professional standpoint for me,” he revealed. The 2009 season was marked by fierce competition as the two teammates vied for the championship. An unforgettable moment occurred in Barcelona, where a last-lap maneuver by Rossi sparked celebrations in his garage that were misinterpreted by Lorenzo’s crew, leading to a tense aftermath that required clarification.
As Aprilia gears up for the 2026 season, Brivio and his team are resolute in their ambition to overtake Ducati, showcasing their determination to not just compete, but to dominate. The MotoGP landscape is shifting, and with Aprilia’s relentless pursuit of excellence, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown as they battle to rewrite the narrative of the championship.
