Bezzecchi and Martín celebrate on the podium at the French GP / AFP7 via Europa Press
Aprilia faces a pleasant dilemma with both of its riders vying for the title. The Noale-based team began showcasing its potential late last season—too late to fight for the championship—but has carried that momentum into 2026, becoming the squad to beat. At the recent French GP, they again demonstrated their strength with another double podium, this time going a step further by placing three riders on the podium. Jorge Martín secured his first win with the team, Marco Bezzecchi finished second, and Ai Ogura took third with TrackHouse.
“Historic day. Three Aprilias on the podium. Congratulations to Jorge, Marco, and Ogura,” was heard over team radio after Sunday’s race.
Massimo Rivola was one of the most satisfied figures in the paddock, with his two riders leading the championship standings, separated by just a single point. For Aprilia’s team principal, the situation couldn’t be better, and the battle between his men shouldn’t pose a problem if they all follow one premise: do not harm your teammate. This is a strategy successfully employed by McLaren last year, and the Italian team hopes to replicate it.
McLaren’s Formula 1 team opted not to use team orders during the clean title fight between Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri last season. The principle was clear—let the best man win, as long as he respects his teammate and the team—and it paid off with both drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
Massimo Rivola aims to implement this approach under what he calls the ‘Black Rules,’ a nod to the team’s color scheme. “I think we have two riders who, besides being fast, are great professionals. I believe they will respect each other; they know the rules very well. For us, the ‘Black Rules’ mean just one word: mutual respect. We have two very strong riders with a clearly strong bike, so we expect a great championship,” Rivola stated in comments published by ‘La Gazzetta dello Sport.’
Conflict Forgotten
Although the theory sounds good, Jorge Martín’s situation in the team raises serious doubts about whether Aprilia might, when push comes to shove, favor Bezzecchi. The reason is simple: Bezzecchi, the only rider on the grid currently with a renewal, will remain with the Noale team until 2028, while all rumors point to Martín leaving at the end of the season. Moreover, although it has faded into the background, it’s worth remembering that the rider from San Sebastián de los Reyes threatened to leave Aprilia last year after suffering two serious crashes. The rumor spread through the paddock and caused some discontent within the team, though it ultimately became just a negative anecdote.
Jorge Martín celebrates his victory at the French Grand Prix with his team / YOAN VALAT / EFE
“Jorge has been through very difficult moments, so his emotion at the finish line is completely understandable. And so is ours. It’s a beautiful story,” Rivola explained after the race in Le Mans. The Italian wanted to recall that “a year ago, it seemed like he was going to leave us, but now we’re celebrating a fantastic weekend. It was emotional. And I think this result can also help him in the upcoming races, especially in qualifying, where he still lacks a bit.”
