Rivola (Aprilia): “Beating Marc and Ducati – the greatest satisfaction”

469 to 469 – that’s the World Championship standings in the MotoGP Constructors’ Championship after 16 of 22 rounds. This has never happened before. The battle between Aprilia and Ducati intensified as the season progressed. Initially, the project from Noale made its mark in the early part of the season with its leading riders, Bezzecchi and Martin. After the Le Mans GP (Round 5), Aprilia led all the standings; in the Manufacturers’ Championship, their lead stood at 34 points early on. Quite a few people spoke of the dominance of the RS-GP, overseen by technical director Fabio Sterlacchini.

However, whilst Aprilia ran into problems from the Assen GP onwards, followed by Bezzecchi’s injury at the Sachsenring, Ducati’s Marquez found his way back to winning ways before the summer break. In Hungary, Germany, Aragon, San Marino and Japan, the world champion single-handedly overwhelmed the competition – bringing Ducati Corse back within striking distance – and, at Motegi, on a level playing field.

Ducati has six constructors’ titles, Aprilia none

The circumstances could scarcely be more different. Whilst Ducati Corse is aiming for its seventh consecutive manufacturers’ title, its tally in the premier class ‘manufacturers’ championship’ remains empty. It would be the first triumph for the team from the Piaggio Group.

Head of Racing Massimo Rivola met with the media in Mandalika alongside his colleague and rival Luigi ‘Gigi’ Dall’Igna of Ducati Corse to comment on this unique competitive situation. Rivola: “It’s a fantastic situation and opportunity that we’re really enjoying – it’s a privilege to be competing in this way against a factory team that has enjoyed so much success in MotoGP in recent years.”

Aprilia vs. Ducati: Massimo Rivola mit Konkurrent Gigi Dall'Igna

Foto: Gold and Goose

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And how does the Aprilia Racing boss see the 2026 season finale? Rivola: “Just like at the start! The one at the very front will be the one who makes the fewest mistakes.”

The ‘Marc Marquez’ factor

One notable aspect is the situation where Ducati is now only involved in the World Championship battle with Marc Marquez. Whilst Fabio Di Giannantonio is currently ranked 6th, Aprilia has four riders in the top seven. Massimo Rivola on the ‘MM93’ factor: “Admittedly, having Marc is a huge advantage. We lack his experience in such situations, but we’re also very well positioned and have several riders still actively in contention for the World Championship. And we’ll give it our all to capitalise on our strengths. Our aim is to bring the title back to Noale – for every member of the Aprilia family.”

Aprilia’s Racing CEO concluded: “Beating Marc is the biggest challenge of all. But it’s not impossible either – we’ve already done it, and that’s the greatest satisfaction there is in MotoGP right now: defeating the combination of Marc and Ducati.”