Massimo Rivola wants a new rule to be created that allows riders returning from injury to test a MotoGP bike before their official return.
Aprilia CEO, Massimo Rivola, has called for a new rule to be put in place for riders who are returning from injury.
The Italian has raised the idea for this new rule after Aprilia Racing rider, Jorge Martin, suffered three injuries across pre-season. The Spaniard fractured both wrists and an ankle during two different crashes.
The reigning Champion announced on Thursday that he would miss the American Grand Prix, and will most likely be sidelined for the Qatar Grand Prix. However, he wants to participate in a test before returning to MotoGP, but according to the current rules, it cannot be with his Aprilia RS-GP.
Martin would have to test on an Aprilia RSV4, which has caused Rivola to become 'very interested' in changing the rules so he could ride an Aprilia RS-GP.
"According to the rules, it has to be a standard Aprilia RSV4," Rivola stated.
"Honestly, we should think about what's best for rider safety. At the moment, we're obviously very interested in changing the rules, but it affects all riders.
"Due to the concessions, the Japanese teams are currently allowed to test whatever they want. Why can't we make a rule for someone who's missed so many sessions to have a smoother introduction to the speed of a MotoGP bike?
"But we're also a very special case, because Jorge changed bikes and didn't have the opportunity to test it thoroughly – he crashed after five kilometers in Sepang.
"There should be a rule that if you've missed two or three events, you can test on a MotoGP bike. No one with respect for the riders would argue against it.
"It would also be helpful for the show. Because let's say Jorge starts in Qatar and does a lap in FP1 and then says, 'I can't ride this bike.' Then we'll have one less bike on the starting grid.
"It's not just about us, it's about everyone. For example, Alex Rins: Last year he missed a lot of races due to injury. If you look at the current format of a race weekend, where you're already in qualifying mode on Friday and you have to be there right away, I think a rule like that would help everyone."
