Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, described the San Marino GP at Misano as a bitter weekend after Ducati seized the top spot in the constructors' standings and Marc Marquez equaled Jorge Martin's points in the riders' championship. The disappointment was compounded by Marco Bezzecchi, who started from pole but crashed on the first lap, losing valuable points.
“Certainly, this is not the Sunday we dreamed of, especially with Marco starting from pole and showing a particularly competitive pace on the medium tyre,” said Rivola. “A real shame also for Jorge, betrayed by arm pump problems, presumably due to compartment syndrome. Now we have two more tracks where our opponents are favored, but if there's one thing I have no doubt about, it's that in Noale and on track, every one of us will give everything we have until the end. Full speed ahead.”
At Misano, Aprilia had to surrender their lead in the constructors' standings. Ducati now leads with 412 points, two points ahead of Aprilia's 410. Meanwhile, in the riders' championship, Jorge Martin, who arrived with a 19-point advantage, had to settle for fifth place due to compartment syndrome, allowing Marquez to equal his points at the top. Both now share the same points, with Bezzecchi 33 points behind.
Looking ahead, the Red Bull Ring in Austria poses a tough challenge for Aprilia. The circuit is known as Ducati territory, and Rivola acknowledges that the next two races will be on tracks that favor their rivals. “Now we have two tracks where our opponents are favored, but I have not the slightest doubt that everyone at Noale and on track will give their all until the end,” he asserted.
Nevertheless, Rivola remains optimistic and emphasized that his team will not give up. “Full speed ahead,” he concluded. Aprilia still has a chance to bounce back, but they must work extra hard on less favorable circuits. With the season still long, the title fight remains wide open.
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