Massimo Rivola: Aprilia Poised to Win with Jorge Martin

Massimo Rivola, the CEO of Aprilia Racing, made it clear at Silverstone that Aprilia’s MotoGP machine is capable of winning with Jorge Martin on board. Rivola spoke soon after Marco Bezzecchi took an unexpected victory at the British Grand Prix on July 25, 2025, driving home the point that the RS-GP is now a race-winning bike.

This statement came during a time of uncertainty for Martin, who has spent most of the 2025 season on the sidelines with injuries. He is reportedly seeking a way out of his contract by using a performance clause.

The situation around Jorge Martin has drawn attention since Motorsport.com revealed after the French Grand Prix that the Spanish rider, still the reigning world champion, had begun evaluating his options to exit the Aprilia deal. Martin has ridden very little this season due to multiple injuries.

Despite Martin’s absence, the Noale-based squad has pressed ahead with development. Just two weeks after the French round, Bezzecchi crossed the finish line first at Silverstone.

Speaking after the British GP win, Rivola addressed Martin directly. He said, “I would like to send Jorge the message that we have a bike with which he too can win. The factory is working hard. Our message is that the bike is ready to win. We want to win with Jorge and we are waiting for him with open arms.”

Rivola also mentioned the tough circumstances Martin has faced, adding, “When a rider has so much bad luck for so long, he’s in a condition that none of us are in a position to understand well. We will do everything we can to make him see that this is the place he has to be.”

Martin has not yet made a formal statement about his contract or future plans. However, he posted a photo on social media earlier this week, stating, “Happy and grateful to be back to training! I’ll give you my side of the story soon.” The ongoing contract discussions around Martin add another layer to the drama off-track.

Martin also thanked supporters for their messages during what he called “a few very tough weeks on the personal side,” and wished fans an enjoyable British GP weekend. While Martin’s message was positive, it was his teammate Bezzecchi who celebrated most at Silverstone, earning his first win of the year for Aprilia.

Bezzecchi had previously struggled as the only healthy Aprilia factory rider, but his Silverstone victory gave the whole outfit a boost. After the race, Bezzecchi said, “We have had some sad days but this is the result of our work. The whole factory has to be proud; it has not been an easy period for them, with the injury to Jorge—who is almost the ‘main rider’ because he is the world champion. On my side, I have just tried to work to give them what they deserve.”

With Martin under contract to Aprilia through the end of 2027, the team remains clear that they intend to keep him once he recovers. Rivola emphasized the company’s support for Martin, reiterating their hope to see him return to racing form on their now race-winning machinery. For more details on MotoGP rider contracts and regulations, you can refer to the official Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) website.

As contract discussions and recovery continue, Aprilia’s recent win highlights their technical progress and ongoing confidence in their lineup. The season has seen challenges for Aprilia, but Bezzecchi’s British GP win serves as proof of the team’s capabilities.

To learn more about the technical advancements in MotoGP bikes, check out this MIT Motorsports research paper.

The ongoing situation with Jorge Martin will be a storyline to watch throughout the rest of the 2025 MotoGP campaign. Fans and team members alike anticipate his return to full fitness and racing action. For additional insights into rider recovery and performance, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) sports medicine resources provide valuable information.

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.