Aprilia: No Team Orders While Martin and Bezzecchi Fight for Title

Pulse Sports Team 12:43 - 27 September 2026

Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, has stated that team orders are off the table as long as both factory riders have a mathematical chance at the 2026 MotoGP title.

Jorge Martin reclaimed the championship lead at the Red Bull Ring, now holding a 12-point advantage over reigning champion Marc Marquez of Ducati.

Aprilia's other rider, Marco Bezzecchi, also secured a double podium finish in Austria but currently trails Martin by 42 points in third place.

Nevertheless, with seven rounds remaining and a potential 259 points still up for grabs, the Italian remains firmly in contention for the title.

"I don't think so. I mean, as long as the riders have a mathematical chance, it's right to give them the opportunity to compete. I hope both my riders have a mathematical chance until the last race, so I don't think about it," Rivola stated.

While Martin holds a narrow lead in the riders' championship and Aprilia tops the constructors' standings, former world championship leader Bezzecchi had a significant 102-point lead over Marquez earlier in the season.

"The first rule is to look forward, not backward," Rivola said. "We are not as accustomed as others to being at the top, so we cannot forget that, we cannot get too excited about a good result."

"We know that until we win the title, we haven't achieved anything. Others have done it already; now it's our turn, and we must remain grounded. Our motorcycle is definitely competitive, the riders are very strong, as are our rivals, and we will fight for it."

Among those rivals is Red Bull Ring winner Pedro Acosta of KTM, who sits 72 points behind Martin and 30 behind Bezzecchi ahead of next weekend's Japanese Grand Prix.

"I have to say, this will be a fantastic world championship because Marquez is always Marquez, and then there's Pedro. Watch out, because Pedro is there," Rivola added. "He is really motivated, he has gained confidence, and when you win a race, you gain even more confidence, so for me, this is a truly great world championship."