Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has offered a candid assessment of the recent MotoGP championship conclusion. In a series of reflections on the season, Rivola addressed the competitive landscape that ultimately defined the final standings.
While acknowledging the efforts of the Aprilia squad, the executive emphasized that the results were driven by individual brilliance rather than team shortcomings. He stated that “Aprilia didn’t lose the championship, Marc Marquez won it” during his assessment of the campaign.
Rivola highlighted the specific challenges faced by the factory throughout the year, noting the relentless pace set by Marquez. The Italian executive pointed out that the Spaniard’s ability to extract maximum performance from his machinery proved to be the decisive factor in the title race. He remains focused on the future, viewing this past season as a fundamental learning experience for the entire Aprilia organization.
The commentary comes as teams begin their preparations for the upcoming competitive cycle. Rivola stressed that while the team remains ambitious, recognizing the strength of top-tier rivals like Marquez is essential for strategic planning. He noted that the gap between the top contenders and the rest of the field requires a significant leap in technical development.
Looking ahead, Aprilia aims to refine its technical package to better compete with the consistency demonstrated by Marquez. Rivola expressed confidence in the current engineering trajectory despite the disappointment of falling short in the final points tally. The team is now shifting its focus toward winter testing programs to address identified weaknesses.
The executive concluded by reiterating his respect for the competition. He maintained that the championship victory was a well-deserved achievement for Marquez, who managed the pressure of the final rounds with veteran composure. Rivola confirmed that Aprilia will continue to push for improvements to ensure they are in a stronger position to challenge for the top honors in the next season. The focus now turns to internal reviews and personnel adjustments to maximize competitiveness across all circuits on the calendar.