Aprilia Confident Bezzecchi Can Beat Marquez in 2026

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola confirms Marco Bezzecchi will race at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix, despite a potential penalty from his crash with Marc Marquez at Mandalika. Uncertainty surrounds teammate Jorge Martin’s fitness after a Japan injury, while Rivola boldly claims Aprilia can defeat Marquez and Ducati in 2026. In-depth analysis of the team’s situation and Rivola’s statements highlights Aprilia’s ambitious trajectory.

Bezzecchi Cleared, Martin’s Return Uncertain

A dramatic first-lap collision at the Indonesian Grand Prix saw Bezzecchi and Marquez crash at Turn 7’s gravel trap. Marquez sustained a fractured collarbone, ruling him out of Australia and Malaysia, while Bezzecchi underwent hospital scans post-fall. Rivola, speaking to SkySport.it, affirmed Bezzecchi’s recovery for Phillip Island, though he faces a yet-to-be-confirmed penalty for the incident. "Bezzecchi will be in Australia, but it’s still too early to set a return date for Martin,” Rivola stated.

Martin’s collarbone fracture from a Turn 1 crash in the Japanese Sprint leaves his participation in doubt. Should Martin miss Australia, the entire 2024 front row—Martin, Marquez, and Maverick Vinales—would be absent, amplifying Bezzecchi’s role. Currently, Bezzecchi trails Francesco Bagnaia by 20 points for third in the riders’ standings, while Aprilia holds a 28-point lead over KTM for second in the constructors’ championship.

Aprilia’s 2025 Goals and 2026 Ambitions

Rivola outlined clear objectives for 2025: “Marco deserves third place in the world championship, and Aprilia second in the manufacturers’ championship. We need to finish 2025 on a high note.” Bezzecchi’s Sprint win in Mandalika underscores Aprilia’s potential to end the season strongly, particularly on fast tracks like Phillip Island suited to the Aprilia RS-GP.

Looking to 2026, Rivola exudes confidence in the Bezzecchi-Martin pairing. “I can’t wait, I’m optimistic. With two riders like this, I expect to be fighting for the podium every Sunday,” he said. He boldly added: “And I repeat, we can beat Marc Marquez...” This assertion reflects Aprilia’s progress with the 2025 RS-GP, which has challenged Ducati’s dominance. With Marquez securing the 2025 title for Ducati Corse, Aprilia’s goal to dethrone them in 2026 hinges on their rider duo and ongoing technical advancements.

Future Outlook and Challenges Ahead

Bezzecchi’s presence in Australia offers Aprilia a chance to solidify their standings, but Martin’s potential absence and Bezzecchi’s penalty could complicate strategy. SPORTRIK analysis suggests Bezzecchi’s speed on tracks like Phillip Island, paired with Aprilia’s technical gains, could yield critical points. For 2026, Martin’s experience and Bezzecchi’s pace position Aprilia as a formidable challenger, especially with refinements in RS-GP electronics and aerodynamics.

This scenario underscores MotoGP’s high-stakes nature, where injuries and penalties can shift championship dynamics. Aprilia’s focus on consistency and development makes them a rising force, and Rivola’s confidence in beating Marquez sets the stage for an electrifying 2026 rivalry. Bezzecchi’s performance will be pivotal in closing 2025 strongly, as fans await updates on Martin’s recovery.