The Italian manufacturer returned to MotoGP in 2015, but with a broadly production-based bike, only introducing a bespoke prototype last year.

It has made gains with its RS-GP in the last 12 months, with Aleix Espargaro finishing sixth a fortnight ago in Qatar, right behind Honda pair Marc Marquez and Dani Pedrosa.

Aprilia’s MotoGP operation is run in partnership with the Gresini team, and is not classified as a full manufacturer, but Albesiano says the door is open to supplying a customer next year.

"We have not engaged in discussions of this type, however, it could be [a possibility],” Albesiano told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Now we are focused on the development of the bike, but we’d like to have a satellite team and in 2018 we would also be ready.

"We are relatively small and with a [satellite] team we should structure ourselves properly, but we can do that. A satellite team certainly would be an advantage: economically, technically and sporting-wise.”

Only Ducati (six bikes across three teams), Honda (three bikes across two teams) and Yamaha (two bikes for one team) currently supply independent MotoGP outfits.

Promoter Dorna has previously stated it wants a 24-bike grid formed of six manufacturers, each with two factory bikes and two satellite bikes.

With KTM and Suzuki having already flagged interest in expanding their presence next year, if Aprilia also finds a partner, Dorna's vision could become reality as soon as 2018.

Target to improve one-lap pace

Albesiano says Aprilia has been buoyed by gains with its MotoGP package, which has impressed Espargaro since he arrived from Suzuki, more so in how it maintains pace over a long run than on a single lap.

“Things went even better than expected,” Albesiano said of the Qatar season opener. “The result confirms that our bike, almost independently of the rider, has characteristics that improve race pace.

"Now we will have to improve the performance over a single lap. Especially at the set-up level and electronics. We'll work already from [this weekend’s Argentinian Grand Prix], although I do not know how long it will take.”