The RNF Racing squad will switch from being a Yamaha customer to an Aprilia partner for at least 2023 and 2024, the Malaysian outfit announced on Friday at Mugello.
The Razlan Razali-run effort had been rumoured to be looking at switching allegiance from running Yamaha M1’s – something the squad has done since entering the premier class as Petronas SRT in 2019 – to Aprilia in recent months after feeling frustrated with the level of support it receives from Yamaha bearing in mind the high prices it pays to the Japanese marque.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola confirmed in the brand’s special press conference on Thursday – held to announce contract extensions for riders Aleix Espargaro and Maverick Vinales – that the confirmation of a deal to supply a team with a pair of its RS-GP machines was due “around now”, the deal now being announced to the world.
Razali says he is “absolutely thrilled” to have secured the deal to continue to help Aprilia develop its premier class programme for the next two years at least, the two parties having the option to extend the partnership for a further two should it prove to be a success.
“We are absolutely thrilled for this long term partnership with Aprilia Racing,” said Razali of the deal.
“Our philosophy remains to work together with the factory team to develop riders that will one day become Aprilia factory riders.
“The proposal by Aprilia Racing fulfils our long term plans, strategies and security for the next two plus two years and I must thank Massimo for his trust, confidence and faith in us.
“At the same time, we want to express our gratitude to Yamaha for these past years working together and growing together.”
Rivola added meanwhile that he reckons RNF is the ideal squad to help “enhance and valorise” Aprilia’s “extraordinary heritage.”
“I am happy to announce the agreement with RNF Racing,” continued the Italian.
“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.
“With RNF Racing we find a partner to enhance and valorise this extraordinary heritage.”
RNF have so far endured a tough maiden campaign in its new guise since a management consortium led by ex-SRT team boss Razali bought out the team for 2022 after title sponsor Petronas pulled out at the end of the last season, the outfit currently sitting 11th out of 12 squad’s in the teams standings after seven rounds.
Rookie Darryn Binder has scored the outfit’s best result of the season so far with an impressive ride to tenth in a wet Indonesian Grand Prix, while the experienced Andrea Dovizioso has struggled to adapt to the M1, with a best finish of 11th coming in Portugal.
Neither rider is expected to remain with RNF for next year with Aprilia set to be heavily involved in the future talent line-up, the team set to take a similar role in developing the manufacturer’s potential future stars in a similar vein to that of Tech 3 with KTM and LCR with Honda, as well as Pramac’s close relationship with Ducati.
Aprilia meanwhile have turned heads so far this season with a far more competitive RS-GP, the organisation having scored a maiden series win with Espargaro in Argentina en-route to the Spaniard currently maintaining a strong second in the riders standings, just four points adrift of series leader Fabio Quartararo heading into the Italian event this weekend.
