Marco Bezzecchi finished the 2025 season on a true upswing, propelling Aprilia to new heights. While Marc Márquez’s injury opened doors for him, the Italian seized his chance brilliantly, displaying a determination that suggests a promising future.
A Meteoric Rise
Marco Bezzecchi ended the 2025 season riding high, that is undeniable. As Marc Márquez’s injury, shortly after winning the title, left him with a clear path, the Italian confirmed his progress on the Aprilia and consistently occupied the top spots. We saw him win the last two Grands Prix of the year, in Portugal and Valencia, but also shine during the sprints in Indonesia and Australia. Such a streak calls for confirmation, especially since the level he reached with the RS-GP allowed him to secure third place in the championship, further fueling his boss’s appetite for what the future may hold.
Rivola: Unconditional Support
Massimo Rivola quickly became the biggest fan of the Rimini rider. Initially recruited in the shadow of Jorge Martín, Bezzecchi proved that his lackluster 2024 season was not representative of his potential. Taking over from his injured teammate even before the championship began, he demonstrated impressive resilience. Elevated to the role of Aprilia’s leader without being prepared for it, he learned to swim in the deep end and captivated with both his approach and results.
“In my opinion, he has improved everywhere, on the track and off, in the garage and outside, in qualifying and in the race,” observed Massimo Rivola a few days ago, on the sidelines of the winter tests in Sepang. But this flattering observation was immediately followed by the announcement of very ambitious expectations.
Rivola’s High Expectations
“This year is a sort of absolute test for him because, unlike last year, the expectations are a bit higher. He sets them for himself, and I hope he will take this final step in managing these expectations, as that is generally what betrays us all,” warned the CEO of Aprilia Racing. Ambitious yet realistic, Massimo Rivola is aware of the mental weight that high goals can entail. He therefore intends to continue supporting his rider as best as possible, whose future with Aprilia is already sealed.
“For us, finishing the championship by winning races – okay, without Marc Márquez, but we quickly forget that – is about managing his mindset and ours, knowing how to manage him too, ensuring he stays grounded,” emphasized the Italian CEO.
Massimo Rivola
“The present is now, it’s now that you need to qualify, and what you did before doesn’t count. And I hope we will all cross this threshold together. What is very beautiful is that with Marco, everything we do, we do it together.”
A Promising Future for the RS-GP
Confirmation will also, of course, depend on the level of competitiveness that the RS-GP can display. On this point, the initial tests have shown promising signs. However, Massimo Rivola assures that he is not worried that the momentum from last season could break.
“No,” he replied to this question in Malaysia. “I understand what you mean, but if I look at Aprilia’s history, every year, the bike has improved. In the case of the 2027 model, it’s difficult because the regulations are changing, but every year, I say that the next one will be better because I see the quality of the company, how we have structured ourselves, the level of the people.”
Promises to Keep
“I had no doubt that the 2026 model would be better, especially because the numbers show it in the simulations and we are starting to have a good correlation and the ability to obtain reliable figures on this subject.”
At this stage, Aprilia considers itself in the wake of Ducati and with real chances of resuming the competition where it left off. Forecasts that will need to be confirmed next week in Thailand, where the final winter tests will take place, immediately followed by the first Grand Prix.
