Key Takeaways (TL;DR):
- Aragon as a Title Benchmark: Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola views the upcoming Aragon GP as a crucial barometer to determine genuine 2026 MotoGP title contenders, with only 56 points separating the top six drivers.
- Marc Márquez’s Stronghold: Despite Aprilia currently holding the top three championship positions with Jorge Martín, Marco Bezzecchi, and Ai Ogura, Rivola highlights MotorLand Aragón as “Marc’s track” due to his dominant track record.
- Aprilia’s Second-Half Evolution: Aprilia aims to build on its strong 2025 late-season form as Jorge Martín regains full physical fitness and Marco Bezzecchi continues his recovery ahead of the Spanish round.
With ten rounds remaining and a narrow 56-point margin covering the top six drivers in the standings, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola expects the upcoming Aragon Grand Prix to clarify the true contenders in the 2026 MotoGP World Championship.
Aprilia currently controls the top three positions in the riders’ championship with factory pairing Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi alongside Trackhouse Racing’s Ai Ogura. Ducati figures Marc Márquez and Fabio Di Giannantonio follow in fourth and fifth, while British GP winner Raúl Fernández completes the top six for Trackhouse.
While recent rounds demonstrated fluctuating balance between Aprilia and Ducati depending on layout characteristics, MotorLand Aragón presents a distinct challenge given Marc Márquez’s historical dominance at the venue. The Spaniard holds seven victories at Aragon and remains unbeaten across four starts aboard Ducati machinery.
“Aragon is Marc’s track,” Rivola stated. “There are still 370 points up for grabs, but Aragon can give us an indication of who the true title contenders will be moving forward.”
The Italian factory also arrives in Spain assessing whether its recent second-half form will hold. After struggling during late-season flyaway rounds in 2023 and 2024, Aprilia reversed the trend in 2025 as Bezzecchi and Fernández secured victories in the closing stages.
“Statistically speaking, we performed poorly in the second half in the past, whereas last year we were very strong,” Rivola explained. “I hope last year represents a better indication for our future than previous seasons. We will see.
“I don’t think the dynamic between the first and second half has fundamentally shifted. What matters most is how the riders feel physically, and we finally have Jorge in good shape while Marco gets an additional week to recover before Aragon,” Rivola concluded.
MotoGP returns to action August 28–30 for the Aragon Grand Prix, marking Round 13 of the 2026 season. Full coverage of all sessions continues on GRANDE PRÊMIO.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current championship situation heading into the 2026 Aragon GP?
Aprilia riders Jorge Martín, Marco Bezzecchi, and Ai Ogura lead the championship standings, with only 56 points separating the top six riders overall.
Why does Massimo Rivola highlight Marc Márquez for the Aragon Grand Prix?
Marc Márquez has seven career victories at MotorLand Aragón and remains undefeated at the circuit across four starts riding Ducati machinery.
When is the 2026 MotoGP Aragon Grand Prix?
The 2026 Aragon Grand Prix takes place August 28–30 at MotorLand Aragón in Alcañiz, Spain.
