The premier class paddock heated up following a sharp response from Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola regarding accusations made by Marc Marquez concerning internal team orders. The controversy originated after the previous day's sprint race when the eight-time world champion insinuated that the Noale-based factory squad had orchestrated positioning to prevent Ai Ogura from finishing ahead of his teammate.
That theory was thoroughly dismantled during Sunday's grand prix main race at the Sepang Circuit, where Ogura raced hard and launched an aggressive overtaking maneuver to beat Marco Bezzecchi across the finish line under the checkered flag. Responding to the remarks made by the Ducati Lenovo Team star prior to the Malaysian GP, Rivola spoke candidly to Spanish broadcaster DAZN to clear the air.
"To be honest, what Marquez says does not interest me very much. Team games are played at home," stated the Italian executive firmly. Following a brief, telling pause, he added a pointed remark directed at the opposition camp: "They are played within the family..." The comment was widely interpreted as a subtle reference to the familial ties between the Ducati talisman and his younger brother, Alex Marquez.
Aside from addressing the mind games off the track, Rivola also provided a crucial update regarding the physical condition of Jorge Martin, who was forced to withdraw from the Sepang weekend due to a fractured wrist sustained at Phillip Island. "He did everything possible to be here, though we knew it would be difficult. Unfortunately, it was confirmed to be impossible; after five or six days, a fracture remains a fracture," Rivola explained.
The reigning champion has already returned to Spain to focus on rehabilitation ahead of the upcoming round at the Lusail International Circuit. Although the upcoming challenge in Qatar will prove immensely demanding, Aprilia maintains that the championship fight remains alive as long as mathematical possibilities persist.
Read Also
Ketegangan internal Ducati memuncak usai Francesco Bagnaia kembali gagal bersaing di Sepang. Simak analisis mendalam krisis performa sang juara di sini.
Marc Marquez kunci kemenangan penting di Sepang namun enggan bahas gelar juara. Baca analisis mendalam performa dan strategi ban selengkapnya di sini.
Alex Marquez sukses amankan podium Sepang sebelum naik meja operasi bahu. Simak analisis lengkap dan jadwal pemulihannya di sini.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!