Aprilia is considering introducing team orders as the MotoGP championship enters a crucial stage, with Jorge Martin locked in a tight battle against Ducati's Marc Marquez. Despite the growing pressure, the Italian manufacturer will continue allowing its riders to compete freely for now.
Following the Indonesian Grand Prix, Martin leads the championship by just two points over Marquez, while Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi sits third, 46 points behind. With five rounds remaining, Aprilia faces a difficult decision over whether to prioritise Martin's title challenge or continue giving both factory riders equal support.
Aprilia technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini confirmed that the team is discussing possible guidelines to prevent its riders from compromising one another's results. While no immediate changes are planned, he acknowledged that a clearer strategy may become necessary as the championship progresses.
For Aprilia, the situation presents a difficult choice. Martin is fighting for the world title but is set to leave for Yamaha next season, while Bezzecchi is considered an important part of the manufacturer's long-term plans. Meanwhile, Aprilia is also battling Ducati for the constructors' championship, holding a 12-point advantage heading into the Australian Grand Prix.
Source: iMotorbike News
The need for better coordination became particularly clear during Saturday's sprint at Mandalika. Bezzecchi and Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez were involved in an opening-lap collision that forced both out of the race, allowing Marquez to capitalise and take victory. The incident also sparked criticism from Fernandez over Bezzecchi's riding.
To prevent tensions from affecting Sunday's race, Aprilia management held a meeting with the riders to discuss the incident and clear up misunderstandings. Sterlacchini said the conversation went well, helping the team move forward after a difficult Saturday.
Although Aprilia celebrated a historic top-four finish in Sunday's main race, the manufacturer knows that maintaining its momentum will require careful management of its riders. With both championship titles still at stake, the coming rounds could determine whether team orders become necessary.
For now, Aprilia is keeping its options open. However, as the margin for error narrows, balancing individual ambitions with the team's overall goals could become one of its biggest challenges this season.
