Aprilia Racing General Manager Massimo Rivola stated that after consecutive problems at the Hungarian and Czech Grand Prix weekends, the team should focus more on its own internal issues than on the Marc Marquez factor. In a statement made ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix in Assen, Rivola made it clear that the problems within Aprilia need to be resolved before worrying about the Ducati rider's return.<\/p>\n
The last two race weekends have been extremely tough for Aprilia. Jorge Martin was involved in a major fall at Balaton Park affecting numerous riders; Marco Bezzecchi received a race points deduction for slapping a track steward in Brno. Commenting on these developments, Rivola stated that the Bezzecchi incident was absolutely wrong: That reaction was wrong.<\/em> He said this, but also added that the drivers who made mistakes were those who acted on emotion, who raced with their hearts. Rivola said he preferred working with such drivers, and while he condemned the wrongdoing, he would not give up on racers with this profile.<\/p>\n Ducati rider Marc Marquez has regained his form following right shoulder surgery last month, winning the Hungarian and Czech Grand Prix races back-to-back. Rivola said the following about Marquez: Marquez was threatening even when he wasn't at his best; now that he's regained his form, he's even more dangerous.<\/em>. Ducati closed the gap with Aprilia at the European round of the season, with Alex Marquez, Fabio Di Giannantonio, and Marc Marquez achieving multiple victories. In the manufacturers' standings, Aprilia currently holds only a narrow five-point lead over Ducati. Their dominance in the riders' and constructors' championships has also weakened considerably.<\/p>\n Aprilia had established its dominance by winning four of the first five Grand Prix races of the 2026 season. However, the picture began to change with the transition to the European season. Rivola emphasized, however, that the team has maintained its competitiveness; Ai Ogura of the Trackhouse lineup proved this by finishing second last weekend. Ai Ogura showed us our strength again on Sunday.<\/em> Rivola said that while he acknowledged the extra stress of competing for the championship title both on and off the track, he wasn't complaining about it. Tension is inevitable when you're fighting for something important. I'm glad it's that way.<\/em><\/p>\n Aprilia aims to end its losing streak this weekend at the MotoGP Dutch Grand Prix, to be held at the Assen circuit on June 27-28, 2026.<\/p>\nMarquez threat and Ducati makes progress<\/h2>\n
A strong start to the season's first episode.<\/h2>\n
Sources<\/h2>\n