MotoGP – Massimo Rivola: “We’re going to send Marco Bezzecchi on holiday for a week. He needs to recover. He’s going through a very difficult period.”

Aprilia's first-ever podium sweep at Assen should have been a perfect weekend. Jorge Martin secured pole position, followed by a TrackHouse one-two finish in the sprint. Then, an all-Aprilia podium in the Grand Prix, with Ai Ogura ahead of Raul Fernandez and Jorge Martin. Yet, when it came time to reflect, Massimo Rivola didn't celebrate a historic dominance. His first message concerned Marco Bezzecchi: "We're going to send him on vacation for a week. He needs to recover. He's going through a very difficult period." A few words that perfectly sum up Aprilia's current paradox.

For several Grand Prix now, the RS-GP has probably become the most complete motorcycle on the grid. Assen provided the demonstration. The four Aprilia were at the front right from qualifying. All four riders showed they had the pace to fight for the win. And without Bezzecchi's crash, Rivola is convinced that all four motorcycles could have finished in the top positions.

« We had the potential to place four Aprilias in front"A collective dominance rarely seen in MotoGP. But this strength now creates an unexpected challenge. For years, Aprilia She was simply looking for a motorcycle capable of winning. Now, she has to manage four riders capable of fighting at the front.

Ai Ogura has just won his first victory. Raul fernandez race after race confirms that he fully deserves his place. Jorge Martin It is gradually regaining its best level. Marco Bezzecchi He remains one of the fastest men in the championship despite a losing streak that has now cost him the top spot in the standings.

Massimo Rivola: “ Marco Bezzecchi should not have made that mistake, especially since it occurred in a place where the risk of injury is high. »

The danger no longer comes solely from DucatiHe is now also inside the garage ApriliaRivola was particularly complimentary towards George MartinA few weeks after the spectacular crash at Balaton, some were questioning the emotional management of the 2024 world champion.

À AssenHis answer came from the track. A world champion knows how to fight for a championship"The boss of..."Aprilia emphasizes that Martin He didn't try to defend a first place that had become unattainable at all costs. When TrackHouse caught up with him, the Spaniard accepted third position rather than take unnecessary risks.

For RivolaThis is precisely the behavior that characterizes a driver capable of winning a championship.

Regarding Bezzecchi's downfall, Rivola was direct on GP One : « He was simply too fast (…) He really needs to rest, because he's been going through a very difficult period lately. So it's understandable that he's feeling a bit under pressure. That said, he shouldn't have made that mistake, especially since it happened in a place where the risk of injury is high. »

 

Another major lesson learned from the weekend: TrackHouse has become a real weapon for ApriliaLong considered mere customer bikes, the American RS-GPs now regularly compete against the factory team. Rivola does not hide his satisfaction at all.

The leader also points out that he was personally involved in the creation of the project. TrackHouseby convincing Justin Marks, Davide Brivio and Francesco Guidotti to join the adventure. An achievement of which he says he is particularly proud.

« I am absolutely delighted (…) Honestly, personally, TrackHouse is a huge source of satisfaction, and if it also helps to improve performance, then it's simply perfect! May the best win ! "He even confirmed his desire to retain Raul Fernandez : « It was me who wanted RaulSo obviously I would be delighted.. »

For a long time, Aprilia He simply dreamed of having a driver capable of winning. Today, his problem is quite different. How to manage four drivers fast enough to regularly fight at the front without this internal competition ultimately costing him a championship?

Ultimately, this is the best problem a team can have. And it resembles the one that Ducati has experienced these past few seasons.