Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has openly admitted that defeating Marc Marquez in the 2026 MotoGP world championship battle is the most difficult task the Noale-based manufacturer could possibly face. As the fierce rivalry between the two Italian factories intensifies, the tension reaches its peak ahead of this weekend's Indonesian Grand Prix.
While Ducati has dominated the premier class for the past four seasons, Aprilia has emerged as a credible challenger in 2026 following a major performance leap with its RS-GP machine. Between the factory squad and the satellite Trackhouse operation, the Italian manufacturer has secured seven grand prix victories out of the 16 rounds held so far, equalling its combined win total from the previous three campaigns.
Even though Aprilia has arguably produced the most versatile motorcycle on the grid, Ducati remains level on points in the manufacturers' standings. This resilience is heavily aided by Marquez winning six of the last nine grands prix on the factory machinery. Rivola did not hesitate to describe the alliance between the seven-time world champion and Ducati as the best possible partnership seen in many years.
"How difficult is it to beat Marc? I think it's the most difficult task we could have," Rivola said during a special press conference at Mandalika. "Last year, I said that it is possible to make it. It was a message more for the inside, for the company, to believe that we can do it. This year, we made it a few times. If we will make it till the end or not is too early to say. But the fact that we are fighting for that already is a big satisfaction."
In the rider standings, Aprilia boasts two title contenders as Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi sit right in the thick of the battle with six rounds remaining. By contrast, Ducati is putting all its weight behind Marquez, who has firmly established himself as the clear leader at Borgo Panigale. Heading into the weekend at Mandalika, Martin holds a razor-thin two-point lead over Marquez, with Bezzecchi 49 points adrift in third place.
Asked whether having two riders fighting for the crown is an advantage or disadvantage, Rivola viewed the situation through an optimistic lens. As reported by Motorsport.com, he emphasized that having multiple fast riders brings immense satisfaction. "First of all, it's a satisfaction. For sure, they will still take points off each other. But I think it's good for the championship and it's good for the sport," Rivola concluded.
Baca Juga
Maverick Vinales dikaitkan dengan peran test rider Ducati untuk MotoGP 2027 setelah kehilangan kursi di KTM, namun prioritasnya tetap ingin membalap.
CEO Aprilia Massimo Rivola sebut mengalahkan Marc Marquez di perebutan gelar juara dunia MotoGP 2026 adalah tugas paling sulit bagi pabrikan Noale.
Jorge Martin hadapi MotoGP Mandalika dengan keunggulan tipis, waspadai Marc Marquez dan persaingan ketat perebutan gelar juara dunia.
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