Aprilia Racing’s Ambition: Challenging Ducati’s Dominance in MotoGP

Aprilia Racing has laid out a clear goal for itself: to compete fiercely against Ducati’s star rider, Marc Marquez, in a direct showdown before the conclusion of the 2025 MotoGP season. This ambition was articulated by Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, following a thrilling performance by Marco Bezzecchi in the recent San Marino Grand Prix. Bezzecchi came incredibly close to clinching a victory, finishing just 0.568 seconds behind Marquez after an intense battle throughout the race.

A Breakthrough Victory

Earlier in the season, Bezzecchi achieved a significant milestone by securing his first win for Aprilia at the British Grand Prix, which was marked by a red flag. During that race, he became the only rider outside of Ducati to claim victory in dry conditions this year. However, it’s important to note that this win came with some caveats. Marquez had a rare off weekend, finishing over six seconds behind in third place. Additionally, Bezzecchi’s success was aided by a mechanical failure experienced by Fabio Quartararo’s Yamaha, who had been leading the race comfortably until that point.

Following this victory, Marquez bounced back with a stunning performance at Aragon, where he accumulated a remarkable eight Grand Prix victories and an equal number of sprint race wins in just nine weeks. Rivola expressed his hopes that Bezzecchi’s recent performance at Misano would serve as a source of motivation for the entire Aprilia team, fueling their desire to achieve the ambitious goal of surpassing Marquez in the remaining races of the season.

The Challenge Ahead

Rivola acknowledged the current gap between Aprilia and Marquez, stating, "At the moment we are behind the number 93, clearly." However, he emphasized the importance of Bezzecchi’s attitude and determination, saying, "Thanks to the attitude of Marco, the mission is to try to beat him before the end of the season." Rivola believes that achieving at least one victory over Marquez is attainable and reflects the aspirations of the team based in Noale.

Looking ahead, Rivola noted, "Marco will have the chance again, and we will have the chance to fight with Marc and also with other riders." He also pointed out the rising talent of Pedro Acosta, who had been performing impressively until encountering a technical issue. The CEO stressed the need for the team to keep pushing forward, recognizing that they are not yet the best in the field.

Consistency: A Key Objective

One of the primary objectives for Aprilia this season has been to develop a motorcycle that demonstrates consistency across a variety of racing circuits. Despite winning races in each of the last three seasons, the team has struggled to secure a strong finish in the constructors’ championship. In 2022, they lost out to Yamaha, while in 2023 and 2024, they faced stiff competition from KTM.

Last year, Aprilia was the only manufacturer aside from Ducati to clinch a Grand Prix victory; however, inconsistent performances left them trailing by 25 points in the battle for the runner-up spot against KTM. While the team has made significant strides in producing a more balanced and competitive motorcycle, there are concerns that this progress has come at the cost of the advantages they once held at specific tracks.

Mixed Results on Familiar Tracks

For example, Aprilia’s performance at the Barcelona circuit was notably disappointing, especially considering they had achieved a remarkable 1-2 finish there just two years ago. Rivola commented on this shift, saying, "It is a fact that on those tracks where we normally were not competitive, like Austria and Misano, we are now competitive there." However, he also acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding their performance on tracks where they used to excel, such as Barcelona.

Rivola expressed his curiosity about upcoming races in different locations, particularly in Indonesia and Phillip Island, where high-speed corners could present new challenges and opportunities. He noted, "I think everybody is closer and closer on average on those tracks," indicating a leveling of competition within the MotoGP field.

Adjusting to New Dynamics

While Aprilia has largely succeeded in creating a well-rounded motorcycle, Rivola pointed out a notable downside: the differences in mechanical and electronic setups between circuits can hinder their initial performance. He explained that during Friday practice sessions, particularly in FP1, the team often requires additional time to optimize the bike’s performance. "We need a bit more time to get the best performance," he said, emphasizing that the team’s strongest performances often occur during the race itself as they continue to refine their setup throughout the weekend.

This adaptation process is crucial for the team as they work towards future goals. Rivola remains optimistic, stating that the improvements made this season will pave the way for success in the upcoming year, particularly as they prepare for the Asian races. The team is eager to see how their motorcycle performs in these unique environments and to continue challenging for top positions.

The Road Ahead

As Aprilia Racing sets its sights on the remainder of the season, the focus remains on enhancing their competitive edge and striving for consistency across various tracks. The team is determined to capitalize on the momentum generated by Bezzecchi’s recent performances and to build upon the progress made throughout the season.

With Rivola at the helm, the team is not only aiming to beat Marquez but also to solidify their position among the top contenders in the championship. The ambition to outperform Ducati is a testament to Aprilia’s commitment to excellence and their desire to establish themselves as a formidable force in the world of MotoGP.

As the races unfold, all eyes will be on Aprilia Racing and their efforts to challenge the status quo within the sport. With a blend of talent, determination, and strategic planning, the team is poised to make significant strides and potentially reshape the competitive landscape of MotoGP in the coming years. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be filled with challenges and opportunities, and Aprilia Racing is ready to embrace them with ambition and resilience.

Through consistent hard work and a clear vision, Aprilia Racing aims not only to compete but to thrive in the fast-paced world of MotoGP, bringing their aspirations to fruition and inspiring fans and competitors alike. The excitement of the upcoming races promises to be a thrilling chapter in the ongoing saga of MotoGP, and Aprilia Racing is determined to leave its mark on the sport.