News 27 May 2022

RNF Racing to become Aprilia satellite team from 2023

Number of Aprilia RS-GPs increases to four on MotoGP grid.

Image: Supplied.

There will be a total of four Aprilia RS-GPs on the MotoGP grid from 2023 after it was confirmed that RNF Racing will transfer from Yamaha.

Aprilia Racing and the RNF Racing team have signed an agreement valid for two seasons beginning next year, with an option for a further two years.

“I am happy to announce the agreement with RNF Racing,” Aprilia Racing’s Massimo Rivola commented. “We have always reasoned in small steps and as we demonstrate the competitiveness of our RS-GP, a natural part of the journey is to see two more on track.

“The Noale racing department is a true heritage of knowledge, of technical culture applied to high performance motorbikes as well as sports management. With RNF Racing we find a partner to enhance and valorise this extraordinary heritage.

“We are thinking, of course, of the riders and the best competitiveness, but also of raising new generations of engineers, technicians and managers. To continue and improve the extraordinary, all-Italian tradition of Aprilia Racing.”

Following the positive start to the 2022 season and the confirmation of factory team riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Viñales for the next two years, the agreement that will see Aprilia’s bikes on track doubled is a further step forward for the Noale-based racing department.

RNF Racing took the place of Sepang Racing Team – also operated by Razlan Razali – as Yamaha’s satellite team this season with Andrea Dovizioso and Darryn Binder on-board, however, will make the sensational switch to Aprilia from next year.

“We are absolutely thrilled for this long term partnership with Aprilia Racing,” team owner Razali explained. “Our philosophy remains to work together with the factory team to develop riders that will one day become Aprilia factory riders. We will assist them in development to ensure that we continue to be competitive and ultimately win with Aprilia Racing.

“The proposal by Aprilia Racing fulfils our long term plans, strategies and security for the next two-plus two years and I must thank Aprilia Racing for its trust, confidence and faith in us. We are absolutely looking forward to the season next year and this new partnership.

“At the same time, we want to express our gratitude to Yamaha for these past years working together and growing together. We will, though, maintain our focus on working hard this season in order to improve our results together with Yamaha and eventually conclude 2022 on a high note.”

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