Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has openly acknowledged Marc Marquez's influence on the 2026 MotoGP championship, admitting the Ducati rider was ultimately the deciding factor in the title battle.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Rivola dismissed suggestions that Aprilia had simply squandered its championship opportunity, instead recognising Marquez's exceptional performances throughout the season.
"Marc Marquez won it. Honestly, he was the deciding factor," Rivola said.
The Aprilia boss praised Marquez's ability to consistently maximise his results, particularly when championship points were crucial. His impressive race management and ability to deliver under pressure have made him difficult to challenge, even for Aprilia's increasingly competitive RS-GP machinery.
Rivola also highlighted the Spaniard's extraordinary individual ability, suggesting that even having four Aprilia riders on the grid was sometimes insufficient to overcome him.
Marquez's latest performance at the Qatar Grand Prix further strengthened his championship position. After winning Saturday's Sprint, the Ducati rider secured second place in Sunday's race, putting himself within reach of his historic 10th world championship.
Heading into the Portuguese Grand Prix at Portimao, Marquez needs to outscore Jorge Martin by two points in the Sprint to clinch the title. A top-nine finish would also eliminate Marco Bezzecchi from championship contention.
While Marquez appears firmly in control of the riders' championship, Aprilia has plenty to celebrate after producing one of its strongest MotoGP seasons.
Source: Times Indonesia
The Noale manufacturer demonstrated significant progress with the RS-GP, allowing Bezzecchi to emerge as a serious title contender. Following the Italian Grand Prix, the Aprilia rider even held a 102-point advantage over Marquez before a series of setbacks disrupted his campaign.
Despite losing ground in the riders' standings, Rivola remains proud of Aprilia's progress and believes the team has established itself among MotoGP's strongest manufacturers.
He described the season as a magnificent achievement, praising both the development of the motorcycle and the work of the team. Although Aprilia has lost valuable points along the way, Rivola believes the progress made is far more important than dwelling on missed opportunities.
"I'd rather be in this position than have a slow bike and slow riders," he said.
Aprilia's remaining objectives are now focused on securing additional championship honours. The team currently leads Ducati by 124 points in the Teams' Championship, while sitting just eight points behind its rival in the Constructors' Championship.
Rivola believes Aprilia deserves recognition for its collective achievements, particularly in the Teams' Championship, which rewards the combined performance of both riders.
With Portimao and Valencia remaining, Marquez could soon celebrate another historic title, but Aprilia still has an opportunity to finish its strongest MotoGP campaign with championship silverware of its own.
