Short Description:
Aprilia faces pressure to secure contracts with rising MotoGP stars Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi amid lucrative offers from rival teams.
Read Time:
4 minutes
Main Article:
As Aprilia Racing finds itself in a competitive MotoGP landscape, the team’s focus is shifting towards retaining its talented riders, Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi. With contracts expiring at the end of 2026, both riders have become hot commodities, attracting significant interest from rival manufacturers eager to enhance their own line-ups. The challenge lies not only in the performance of the Aprilia bike but also in the financial incentives being offered by competing teams.
Bezzecchi, who concluded the 2025 season with impressive back-to-back victories in Portugal and Valencia, is poised as a strong contender for the championship, having secured a factory contract for the first time in his career. His success has transformed him into a crucial asset for Aprilia, especially as other teams recognize his potential. Meanwhile, Martin has also expressed a desire to explore new opportunities and even attempted to activate a performance clause in his contract to join Honda. This eagerness for movement in the rider market is heightened by the prospect of new technical regulations in 2027, which could redefine the sport.
Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, has openly discussed the urgency of their situation. While ideally preferring to delay contracts, he understands that the rapidly accelerating interest from rival teams may necessitate swift negotiations to keep both riders. Rivola emphasized a commitment to building a strong team foundation, stating, “I know that they are offering a lot of money to our riders.” Importantly, both Martin and Bezzecchi reportedly value competitive machinery alongside financial compensation, emphasizing that success on the track often translates to lucrative contracts off it.
As the 2026 MotoGP season approaches, Bezzecchi has indicated his priorities: securing the best bike while positioning himself for a title shot. He noted, “If you want to earn a lot of money…your manager will do what’s best for you. But it’s clear that when you win, you earn well.” This mantra resonates across the MotoGP grid, as riders balance performance ambitions with financial aspirations.
In this evolving landscape, Aprilia is at a crossroads, needing to make pivotal decisions that could shape their competitive edge. With both riders linked to increases in market value, the stakes are higher than ever, reflecting a delicate balance between ambition and economic reality in the world of MotoGP.
Short Summary:
In summary, Aprilia Racing must navigate urgent contract negotiations with key MotoGP talents Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi to fend off rival teams. With financial offers rising and both riders showing championship potential, the 2026 season promises critical choices ahead for Aprilia to maintain its competitive edge.
