Massimo Rivola has warned that Aprilia must tighten its own operations before confronting the threat posed by Marc Marquez’s Ducati‑backed resurgence.
Aprilia’s Internal Focus
On the sidelines of the Dutch Grand Prix, the Italian CEO emphasised that mistakes by the factory riders are a bigger concern than any rival’s pace.
Rivola said the team needs to “watch ourselves” and “fix our last few weekends,” referencing the chaos at Balaton Park and Brno that left Marco Bezzecchi suspended for a single race.
He added that the crew’s “room for improvement” in managing riders is a “bona fide advantage” when a championship is in play.
Marquez’s Comeback
The Spaniard’s return to form has been marked by back‑to‑back victories in Hungary and the Czech Republic, a performance that has stayed a couple of laps behind Ducati’s best machines.
After surgery on his right shoulder last month, Marquez has re‑established himself as a threat, with Giannantonio and Alex Marquez also winning on the GP26.
Rivola admitted that it is “the Ducati’s leap forward” to recognise, noting that when Marquez was out of top shape the threat was lower.
Controversies on the Grid
Jorge Martin’s pile‑up at Balaton Park underscored the fragility of Aprilia’s honours, while Marco Bezzecchi’s one‑race ban for slapping a marshal at Brno further aggravated the tally.
Rivola said the incident was “misbehaviour” and “absolutely reprehensible,” yet he praised the “heart” of the riders who still “push the margin.”
Rivalry Intensifies
Aprilia emerged as MotoGP’s benchmark at the start of 2026, yet Ducati is catching up rapidly as drivers take wins across Europe and the manufacturers’ standings now sit within five points.
Ai Ogura’s podium finish for Trackhouse Racing was highlighted by the CEO as proof that the Aprilia machine remains “competitive” if internal concerns are addressed.
With Ducati now only a margin behind and its drivers lined for a championship showdown, Aprilia’s path forward hinges on erasing the laps of operational hesitancy that have cost recent races.
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