Aprilia MotoGP boss Romano Albesiano has confirmed to bikesportnews.com that Sam Lowes’ factory seat is not yet under threat from a throng of out-of-contract riders - including Cal Crutchlow - but should results not improve he may be forced to reassess.
The rider-go-round has not yet started but several have already knocked at the doors of Aprilia. According to paddock rumour Alvaro Bautista would like to return in Aprilia despite the good results he is obtaining with his Ducati and Crutchlow is interested in showing his talent on a factory.
Andrea Iannone’s name is also being circulated. The Italian is suffering more than he expected on the Suzuki and he may be interested for 2019, considering that he has a two year contract with the Japanese manufacturer.
Albesiano says the talent of Lowes is not in doubt but he isn’t able to ride as he wants nor show his potential. It also won’t help that Lowes is the test mule with the onerous tasks that go with it.
“Sam is getting experience and growing and we hope that he can start to get some good results soon. We would like to understand if his trend is consistent for the second part of the season and especially for next year,” Albesiano told bikesportnews.com at Barcelona.
“Today Sam is the priority, but we need to understand how he can progress throughout the season, otherwise we need to evaluate other solutions. As a rookie Sam has a one year contract in MotoGP but we invested a lot in him. We believe in giving young talents the opportunity to shine and this was the case of Sam. His talent has never been doubted.”
Regarding the progress of the bike, Albesiano is satisfied: “Considering that this is a young project of one year and a half, the results are satisfying. Aprilia is in MotoGP to be a protagonist. We are just halfway to where we want to be.” Meanwhile the development is ongoing. “In Barcelona, Espargaro is using a seamless gearbox of the new generation. We are using this race as a test.”
Regarding the names of the riders that have knocked to the Aprilia’s doors there is confidentiality. “There are several riders that have their contract expired at the end of the season.”
