Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola insists his workforce did not lose the 2026 MotoGP title, however that Marc Marquez gained it by way of his excellent performances on the Ducati.
Marquez is on the verge of securing his tenth motorbike racing world title and his eighth within the MotoGP class. He had his first ‘match level’ to clinch the championship in Qatar, although he at all times knew his probabilities have been slim final weekend.
The Spaniard gained Saturday’s dash race in Losail, and on Sunday – regardless of approaching the race with warning from the beginning – secured a helpful second-place end. He may now be topped champion subsequent Saturday in Portimao by successful the dash race.
The Ducati rider merely must outscore Jorge Martin by two factors, whereas a top-nine end would definitively get rid of the risk from Marco Bezzecchi, who’s 74 factors adrift, with precisely 74 factors nonetheless remaining to be scored.
Given the character of the season and the dynamics noticed throughout the 20 grands prix held thus far, a debate has emerged amongst followers and throughout the paddock in current weeks: has Marquez gained the title (pending, in fact, its official affirmation), or has Aprilia misplaced it?
Following the Qatar GP, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola was requested who’s most answerable for the season’s remaining final result.
In an interview with Sky Sport, the Italian praised Marquez’s efficiency, whereas expressing remorse that his personal manufacturing unit – regardless of delivering its best-ever season within the premier class – has been unable to safe the riders’ championship.
When requested whether or not Marquez gained the title or Aprilia misplaced it, Rivola replied: “Marc Marquez gained it. Actually, he was the deciding issue. He proved it once more on this Sunday’s race; simply have a look at the hole between him and the opposite Ducatis.
“The best way he managed his race weekends, the best way he racked up 37 factors every time the chance arose, and the best way he navigated probably the most difficult circuits. I take my hat off to him. I like his observe document, his expertise, and even the best way he handles the press. Nothing occurs by likelihood; Marc is really an ideal.”
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing, Luigi Dall’Igna, Ducati
Picture by: MotoGP
Aprilia left Might’s Italian GP with Bezzecchi holding a 102-point lead over Marquez. At that stage, the Catalan rider was nonetheless recovering from one more surgical procedure on his proper arm, and the RS-GP had confirmed extra dominant than the Ducati early within the season.
Whereas the Desmosedici has since levelled the taking part in subject, the Aprilia has usually remained the superior machine, and regardless of errors made all through the season, Aprilia heads to Portugal nonetheless within the hunt for the constructors’ world championship.
Nonetheless, since Marquez regained a few of his type following the harm he sustained in 2025, there has merely been no contest. The #93 has capitalised on each single mistake made by his rivals, constructing on his unbelievable comeback title in 2025.
Since Mugello, Marquez has gained seven full-length races – greater than some other rider this season – together with eight sprints, setting an ordinary his opponents have been unable to match.
All issues thought of, former Ferrari Method 1 govt Rivola prefers to stay optimistic about Aprilia’s season, saying: “Unquestionably, I see the glass as half-full, as a result of, in any case, this yr serves as a testomony to the corporate – they’ve completed a powerful job and constructed a powerful bike.
“I’m actually delighted for everybody in Noale who works tirelessly, day and night time, with such ardour and perception. Moreover, the outlook for 2026 leaves us very optimistic about our future. Have we left quite a lot of factors on the desk? Sure, however I’d fairly be on this place than have a gradual bike and gradual riders.
“What makes me proudest is the work that has been completed and the truth that, come what might, we’ll hold believing [in the fight for the title] proper up till the ultimate race. We haven’t thrown within the towel; we’ve continued to push for higher bike efficiency and the event of our riders. There are numerous positives to take delight in. As for the factors misplaced squandered for one motive or one other, we’ll deal with that as a lesson for the long run. However, I repeat, there are nonetheless two races to go.”
Realistically, the riders’ championship is all however misplaced, however Aprilia can take consolation in securing the groups’ title (it holds a 124-point lead over the manufacturing unit Ducati squad) and remaining within the hunt for the constructors’ championship (it left Qatar trailing the Borgo Panigale-based producer by 8 factors).
“Unquestionably, the precedence is the workforce championship – which is actually the identical because the constructors’ championship in Method 1, because it’s the mixed whole of factors from each your riders. And sure, the constructors’ title is certainly a purpose. Actually, I consider we deserve it. Moreover, I feel we must always discover a solution to change how factors are tallied within the championship.
“You may have somebody like Marquez who, all on his personal… I heard somebody say earlier that, at instances, 4 Aprilias aren’t sufficient to beat Marquez. It’s true – these are the information.”
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