Here’s a bold statement: Aprilia’s late-season MotoGP surge might not be as impressive as it seems—and it’s all because of one missing rider. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Aprilia’s dominance truly a reflection of their strength, or did the absence of Marc Marquez skew the results? Let’s dive in.
The 2025 MotoGP season was a tale of two halves. Ducati’s Marc Marquez had been unstoppable, clinching the title with five rounds to spare after winning eleven grands prix and fifteen sprints. His performance was nothing short of legendary—until a collision with Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi at Mandalika sidelined him for the season’s final events. And this is the part most people miss: Without Marquez on the track, the dynamics shifted dramatically.
Ducati managed just one more grand prix win, thanks to Alex Marquez at Sepang. Meanwhile, Aprilia seized the opportunity, with Raul Fernandez winning at Phillip Island and Marco Bezzecchi securing victories at Portimao and Valencia. Bezzecchi’s end-of-season charge—three wins and two podiums—was impressive, though a double long-lap penalty at Phillip Island for colliding with Marquez slightly marred his record.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola was quick to temper the excitement: ‘Yeah, but we cannot forget that Marc was not here,’ he cautioned. Rivola praised Bezzecchi as the fastest rider on the track and highlighted strong performances from Pedro Acosta and Alex Marquez. ‘In a small championship without Marc Marquez, these guys were the fighters for the potential title,’ he added. But the question lingers: Would Aprilia’s success have been as pronounced if Marquez had been there?
Looking ahead, Rivola noted the rising competition. Honda, despite losing concessions, is gearing up for a comeback, and Fabio Quartararo’s five pole positions signal a fierce 2026 season. ‘The level of the championship is incredibly high,’ Rivola said. ‘If you’re not at 100%, you lose a couple of places.’ The tiny gaps in qualifying at Valencia underscored just how competitive the field has become.
Bezzecchi finished the season in a record-high third place for Aprilia, behind the Marquez brothers, while the RS-GP secured runner-up in the constructors’ battle. Yet, it’s worth noting that Aprilia also faced setbacks, with star signing Jorge Martin absent for most of the season.
Here’s the controversial question: Did Aprilia’s late-season success prove their true potential, or did Marquez’s absence artificially inflate their achievements? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a debate worth having. And as we look to 2026, one thing is clear: with Marquez back on the track, the championship is anyone’s game.
