Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has expressed the team’s commitment to repairing its fractured relationship with Jorge Martin following Marco Bezzecchi’s impressive British Grand Prix win—Aprilia’s first MotoGP victory of the season.
Martin, the reigning world champion and marquee signing for Aprilia’s new 2025 line-up, has had a disastrous start with the Noale-based factory. A string of injuries and crashes has restricted the Spaniard to just one grand prix appearance so far, while growing off-track tensions—especially concerning a rumored performance-related exit clause—have only heightened speculation around his future with the team.
Rivola addressed the situation after Bezzecchi’s win, emphasizing that Aprilia remains open to reconciliation.
“We are waiting for him,” said Rivola. “Our mission is to provide the best possible bike so when he returns, it’s ready to win. Today we showed the bike can win, but we have to do it more often.”
Rivola also acknowledged the physical and emotional toll Martin’s recovery has taken.
“When you spend most of your time in a hospital bed, suffering, nobody truly knows how hard it is,” he said. “Riders are meant to be on the bike—not at home recovering. We must respect that.”
He admitted that much of the tension has come from conversations happening publicly instead of privately, saying:
“That’s not the right way. There are better ways to solve things, but it’s always difficult when both sides feel distant.”
If Martin does return, Rivola made it clear that rebuilding trust will be essential.
“One step at a time. First, we need him to come back. Then we work on trust,” he said. “Like in a marriage, both sides must play their part. We’re ready to do ours.”
Rivola also praised Bezzecchi not only for securing the win but for his leadership during challenging times.
“This period has been so difficult, it’s something you couldn’t even write in a book,” Rivola said, referencing Martin’s string of injuries—during testing, training, and then his brief return in Qatar.
He credited Bezzecchi’s dedication and positivity as a motivating force:
“After the last race, Marco sent a video to the whole company saying, ‘I believe in the project, keep pushing.’ That kind of message really drives everyone.”
Still, Rivola remained grounded:
“There’s a saying in Italy—one bird doesn’t make spring. But at least we’ve proven something to ourselves. When you go through tough times, you start to question your direction. This result is a boost for everyone at Noale who has been working day and night.”
He admitted luck played a part, with Fabio Quartararo retiring from the lead due to a ride-height issue.
“But that’s racing,” Rivola added. “It was great to see Marco take control and open up a four-second gap. I couldn’t be happier—especially with our big Aprilia All Stars celebration coming up in Misano.”
Jorge Martin is expected to attend the Misano event on June 1, alongside Aprilia’s MotoGP line-up.
