The Rise of Aprilia: A MotoGP Story with a Twist
In a thrilling conclusion to the MotoGP season, Aprilia's surge to the top left many fans and experts wondering: what if?
The 2025 MotoGP season was dominated by a single rider, the new factory signing for Ducati, Marc Marquez. With an incredible eleven grand prix wins and fifteen sprint victories, Marquez sealed the title with an early five-round lead. But then, a twist of fate: Marquez was injured in a collision with Aprilia's Marco Bezzecchi at Mandalika, ruling him out for the remainder of the season.
The Impact of Marquez's Absence
Without Marquez, the MotoGP landscape shifted dramatically. Ducati managed only one more grand prix win, a solitary victory at Sepang by Alex Marquez. Meanwhile, Aprilia seized the opportunity, claiming wins at Phillip Island with Raul Fernandez and then at Portimao and Valencia with Bezzecchi. Aprilia's CEO, Massimo Rivola, cautioned, "Yeah, but we cannot forget that Marc was not here."
Bezzecchi's end-of-season performance was exceptional, with three race wins and two additional podiums. However, a double long lap penalty at Phillip Island, resulting from a collision with Marquez, hindered his overall tally.
Rivola praised Bezzecchi's speed, stating, "At the end, Marco was the fastest rider out there." He also highlighted the impressive performances of Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez, suggesting that in a championship without Marquez, these riders could have been contenders for the title.
A Controversial Interpretation?
But here's where it gets controversial: does the absence of Marquez truly reflect Aprilia's strength, or does it merely highlight the dominance of a single rider? With Marquez out of the picture, did the field simply become more level, allowing other riders to shine?
"The level of the championship is incredibly high," Rivola noted. "Look at the tiny gaps in qualifying here [Valencia]. It's a tough championship. If you're not 100%, you lose places."
Bezzecchi's impressive season saw him finish third in the MotoGP standings, behind the Marquez brothers, with Aprilia's RS-GP model runner-up to the Desmosedici in the constructors' battle.
While Marquez's absence was a key factor in Aprilia's late-season success, it's worth noting that Aprilia also had to contend with the absence of its star signing, reigning champion Jorge Martin, for most of the 2025 season.
This story is a testament to the unpredictable nature of MotoGP and the impact that a single rider can have on the entire championship. It leaves us with a thought-provoking question: would Aprilia have achieved such success with Marquez in the mix? Discuss in the comments and share your opinions on this intriguing MotoGP narrative!
