Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola admits the brand is \u201cbenefitting from the fact that Marc Marquez is clearly not in top form\u201d, but insists \u201cwe\u2019re there\u201d in MotoGP 2026.<\/p>\n
The Italian manufacturer leads all three world championships after four rounds of the current campaign.<\/p>\n
Marco Bezzecchi<\/a> dominated the opening three grands prix, setting a new record for laps led in the process, but was defeated at the Spanish Grand Prix by Gresini Ducati\u2019s Alex Marquez.<\/p>\n Still, Bezzecchi was second in the Jerez race, which allowed him to extend his championship lead to 11 points heading to the French Grand Prix next weekend.<\/p>\n Speaking after the race, Rivola talked up Aprilia<\/a>\u2019s current form, but did caveat it with the fact that reigning champion Marc Marquez<\/a> has been off-colour so far.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cNo need to make any proclamations,\u201d he told Sky Italy, after four Aprilias finished in the top six at Jerez.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s clearly important to get four bikes in the top six here in Jerez; that’s a great sign.<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re also benefiting from the fact that Marc Marquez is clearly not in top form; we’ve certainly done a great job this winter.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have two really strong riders, and I have to say that Trackhouse is coming along really well.<\/p>\n \u201cBezzecchi has the advantage of starting further forward than the others, so he benefits in the race.<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT<\/p>\n \u201cWe’re there, come on, we’re there. It’s a very long season, but we’re confident that the work we’re doing is going in the right direction.\u201d<\/p>\n Marquez has yet to score a Sunday podium this season, though has two sprint victories to his credit, including an incredible crash-to-victory ride on Saturday at Jerez.<\/p>\n The factory Ducati rider has been struggling with the aftereffects of the shoulder he badly injured last October.<\/p>\n