For much of the season, Aprilia enjoyed an enviable position: its two factory riders, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi, were at the top of the championship standings and seemed poised to challenge for the title until the very end. To maintain this momentum, sporting director Massimo Rivola had instituted what he called the "black rules": no team orders, no favored riders, each rider free to fight for the championship. A few weeks later, the situation changed dramatically. Marc Marquez's spectacular return to form completely reshuffled the deck, forcing Aprilia to consider a much more interventionist strategy.
When Rivola had announced these internal rules, Aprilia dominated the scene. Let Martin et Bezzecchi Fighting back seemed logical: the brand controlled the championship and could hope to clinch both the drivers' and constructors' titles. But this comfortable lead gradually evaporated. Marc Marquez has returned to his best level, Ducati returned to the fight and the two pilots Aprilia have followed opposite trajectories.
Marco Bezzecchi He seemed capable of challenging for the title just a few races ago. Then everything became complicated. A series of disappointing results, combined with a crash that broke his momentum, gradually pushed him further from the championship lead. He is now 22 points behind. Jorge Martin and occupies fourth place provisionally.
Mathematically, nothing is lost. But in a championship where every point counts, this gap demands Aprilia to consider what the best strategy to adopt.
Jorge Martin remains Aprilia's best asset
George Martin He hasn't always fully exploited his leadership position. Some opportunities have been missed, and his lead in the standings has shrunk. Nevertheless, he remains the driver today. Aprilia best placed to win the world title.
In this context, it seems logical that the manufacturer would now focus its efforts on its leader in the provisional overall standings. Without necessarily imposing systematic team orders, this leader could become the priority in terms of race strategy, development, or managing difficult situations. At this stage of the season, this shift would be dictated more by circumstances than by personal preference.
The pressure is not only about the drivers' rankings. Aprilia also sees its lead in the constructors' championship shrink. Ducati is now only 11 points behind, completely reviving the fight for a crown that seemed firmly secured just a few weeks ago.
And that's where another player comes in with an unexpected role… If Aprilia It still remains at the top of the constructors' standings, largely thanks to its satellite team. TrackHouse RacingThe excellent performance ofAi Ogura and the return to form of Raul Fernandez These contributions allowed them to rack up valuable points at a time when the official team was experiencing greater difficulties. This contribution is far from insignificant.
Even though the TrackHouse team manager, Davide Brivioremains cautious when discussing the chances ofAi Ogura In order to compete for the title against the official drivers, the results of the American team now carry significant weight in both championships.
The "Black Rules" made sense as long asAprilia It largely dominated the competition. Today, the context is different. Marc Marquez has reignited the battle for the championship. Ducati The builders are making a strong comeback, and every mistake can now cost them a title.
Massimo rivola will therefore have to decide whether to maintain his philosophy of perfect equality between his drivers or whether to agree to concentrate the team's resources around George Martin, currently the best placed to offer Aprilia a first world title in MotoGP.
The second part of the season MotoGP This therefore looks set to be decisive. Because if Aprilia She still has the cards to achieve a historic double; she can no longer afford to drop a single point against a Ducati which has regained its full striking power.
