Aprilia has acknowledged that its strong start to the 2026 MotoGP season has been helped, in part, by the struggles of Marc Marquez, as the competitive balance at the front begins to shift.
Team CEO Massimo Rivola admitted that the Spanish rider is currently not performing at his usual level, a situation that has indirectly benefited Aprilia’s push toward the front of the grid. He pointed out that Marquez is “clearly not in top form,” while stressing that Aprilia is capitalising on the opportunity and proving its own competitiveness.
Despite recognising this advantage, Rivola made it clear that Aprilia’s performance is not solely dependent on rivals underperforming. The Italian manufacturer has shown consistent pace and believes it has taken a genuine step forward in 2026, positioning itself as a serious contender against Ducati.
Marquez’s season so far has been marked by inconsistency, with physical limitations and adaptation challenges continuing to affect his performance. While still capable of strong moments, he has not been able to dominate in the way he has in previous campaigns, leaving room for rivals to close the gap.
Source: iMotorbike News
Aprilia, on the other hand, has capitalised on this opening with strong results and improved race pace. The team’s riders have been consistently competitive, reinforcing the belief that its progress is the result of both internal development and a changing competitive landscape.
The situation highlights a broader shift in MotoGP, where the dominance of established frontrunners is no longer guaranteed. With Aprilia stepping up and Ducati facing increased pressure, the 2026 season is shaping into a more open and unpredictable championship battle.
While Rivola acknowledged that Marquez remains a key threat if he returns to peak form, Aprilia is focused on maintaining its momentum and taking full advantage of the current window of opportunity.
