The Aprilia, competing against Ducati in the championship race, came close to a critical decision in the title race, securing the first four places. After the race, Jorge Martin finished second behind Marc Marquez by two points in the championship lead, while Bezzecchi, due to injuries and penalties, was third with 46 points behind. Aprilia is trying to balance between Martin, who will transfer to Yamaha next season, and Bezzecchi, whose future is foreseen, to maintain a slim two-point advantage. Ahead of the Australian GP to be held in two weeks, Aprilia, which has only a 12-point gap from Ducati in the Constructors' Championship, brought team orders to the agenda to prevent riders from stealing each other's points.
Team Strategy Debates
Aprilia Technical Director Fabiano Sterlacchini stated that the riders are completely free to act, saying:
As it stands, our riders are completely free to act, as stated by our CEO, Massimo Rivola.
However, to prevent potential problems, we began discussing some guiding rules among ourselves.
Risk Management
We have not set a definite timeline, but we may need to sit down with Massimo in the coming few races to determine a clear team strategy. Even if you clarify the roles, probabilities, and risks, things like this can still happen. Everything is being experienced at the highest level here; the riders' attitudes and tensions are included in this.
In the sprint race on Saturday, the accident resulted in Raul Fernandez and Bezzecchi being sidelined, which directly handed the victory to rival Marc Marquez. Following the accident, a meeting was organized on Sunday morning after harsh criticisms from Fernandez towards Bezzecchi. Sterlacchini concluded his remarks, conveying the tension and the precautions taken in the process:
The accident on Saturday is a shame; it is part of this job.
Tensions usually stem from misunderstandings rather than real problems. We spoke frankly, and everything went according to plan.
Softening the Atmosphere
On Sunday morning, we decided to have a roundtable meeting with Massimo to discuss the situation and ease the atmosphere. What was said:
- We began discussing some guiding rules among ourselves to prevent potential problems.
- We have not set a definite timeline, but we may need to sit down with Massimo in the coming few races to determine a clear team strategy.
- Even if you clarify the roles, probabilities, and risks, things like this can still happen. Everything is being experienced at the highest level here; the riders' attitudes and tensions are included in this.
- The accident on Saturday is a shame; it is part of this job.
- Tensions usually stem from misunderstandings rather than real problems. We spoke frankly, and everything went according to plan.
Figures
- Jorge Martin is competing in 1st place with 355 points in the 2026 MotoGP season (Aprilia Racing Team).
- Archive: [Message from Jorge Martin to Marc Marquez for the championship: "I don't think I can handle it anymore!"](October 12, 2026)
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Go to sourceCompiled by Şükrü Utku Poyraz
