Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has firmly rejected the narrative that his team lost the 2026 MotoGP championship, insisting instead that Marc Marquez secured the title through superior performance on the Ducati. The Italian executive addressed the growing debate within the paddock regarding whether Aprilia’s inconsistent season or Marquez’s dominance was the primary factor in the title race. Rivola’s comments underscore the team’s focus on internal development rather than external blame, highlighting the competitive gap that emerged over the first 20 grands prix of the season.
CEO clarifies narrative as Marc Marquez edges closer to historic 10th world championship
Marquez is on the verge of cementing his legacy with a potential 10th motorcycle racing world title and his eighth in the premier class. After securing a crucial second-place finish in Sunday’s main race at Losail following a sprint victory, the Spaniard holds a significant advantage over his closest rival, Jorge Martin. To clinch the championship next Saturday in Portimao, Marquez needs to outscore Martin by just two points in the sprint race. Additionally, a top-nine finish would mathematically eliminate Marco Bezzecchi from contention, as the Italian is currently 74 points adrift with exactly 74 points remaining in the season.
The situation presents a historic milestone for the 33-year-old Spaniard, who had his first match point in Qatar despite acknowledging slim chances prior to the weekend. The precise mathematical threshold required for victory reflects the tight margins of modern MotoGP, where single-race results can shift the championship dynamics dramatically. As the field heads to Portimao, the focus shifts from Aprilia’s struggles to Marquez’s ability to convert his current lead into a definitive title, a feat that would further solidify his status as the greatest motorcycle racer of his era.
Source: Yahoo Sports
