Aprilia's Late-Season MotoGP Triumph: A Caveat of Absence
Aprilia's remarkable end-of-season performance in MotoGP was tinged with a note of caution: Marc Marquez's absence. The Italian manufacturer's star rider, Marco Bezzecchi, had an impressive run, securing three race wins and two podiums in the final five rounds. However, the team's success was partly attributed to the absence of Marquez, who was injured in a collision with Bezzecchi at Mandalika.
Ducati, led by the newly signed Alex Marquez, struggled without their star, winning only one grand prix in the final stages. Aprilia, on the other hand, capitalized on the opportunity, with Raul Fernandez winning at Phillip Island and Bezzecchi taking victories at Portimao and Valencia. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola acknowledged the impact of Marquez's absence, stating, 'Yeah, but we cannot forget that Marc was not here.'
Bezzecchi's performance was remarkable, but it was slightly tarnished by a double long lap penalty at Phillip Island, which he incurred after colliding with Marquez. Rivola praised the team's efforts, highlighting the consistent performance of Alex Marquez and the impressive showing of Pedro Acosta. He suggested that without Marquez, Acosta and Alex Marquez became the primary contenders for the title.
Looking ahead, Rivola anticipated a strong showing from Honda, which had lost concessions but was making a comeback. Fabio Quartararo's five pole positions showcased the high level of competition in the championship. The CEO emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, stating, 'If you are not 100%, you lose a couple of places.'
Despite the absence of both Marquez brothers, Aprilia's RS-GP finished second in the constructors' battle, with Bezzecchi securing a new Aprilia high of third in the MotoGP standings. The team's success, however, was bittersweet, as they were without their star signing, reigning champion Jorge Martin, for most of the 2025 season. This narrative highlights the fine line between triumph and tragedy in the world of MotoGP, where the absence of a key player can significantly impact a team's performance.
