Trackhouse Aprilia, in its inaugural MotoGP season, has inherited Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez as its rider lineup. However, the team’s first major decision regarding riders is still to come. It is clear that Trackhouse wants to approach its rider strategy differently and this decision will be closely tied to the team’s overall approach.
There is speculation that Trackhouse may make changes to its lineup. One potential option is Joe Roberts, a Moto2 frontrunner, who has gained credibility in recent months. Additionally, there may be opportunities to recruit established MotoGP riders who miss out on factory rides. With the impressive performance of the factory-spec Aprilia RS-GP, Trackhouse has a strong case to attract top riders.
Oliveira and Fernandez will have to compete for their positions, as is customary in motorsport. Trackhouse is currently the best option for both riders in 2025, making it unlikely that they will move to another team. While Oliveira has a better track record with five MotoGP wins, Fernandez has shown promise and has been happier with last year’s model of the bike.
There is a clear solution to the uncertainty surrounding the riders’ evaluation. Fernandez is expected to be upgraded to the 2024 bike, and this upgrade will be easier once the entire team is on the same spec. However, the timing of this upgrade remains uncertain. Fernandez has already had a limited experience with the newer machine and has provided positive feedback.
Fernandez’s perspective on a mid-season upgrade has shifted, as he now prefers to have the same equipment as his teammates to accurately assess his performance. This upgrade would also benefit Trackhouse and Aprilia in understanding the team’s overall competitiveness. Oliveira, on the other hand, is making progress with the RS-GP but still feels that there is room for improvement.
Ultimately, benchmarking Oliveira and Fernandez on the 2024 Aprilia as soon as possible is the logical choice for Trackhouse. This will provide a clearer picture for the team as they enter negotiations for the 2025 season.