Massimo Rivola warns ‘suffering’ Jorge Martin about Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi after what he’s seen

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Jorge Martin missed the vast majority of MotoGP pre-season testing through injury. The reigning world champion suffered a nasty accident on day one in Sepang, and was able to take no further part.

Martin’s scary highside in Malaysia left him with broken fingers and toes. He had to return to Europe for an operation.

He was quickly ruled out of the final two days of testing in Buriram this week. Aprilia expect Martin to return for the Thailand Grand Prix, though it’s unclear whether he’ll be 100% fit.

And even if the Spaniard is somehow in peak physical condition, he’ll be at a clear disadvantage. He only completed 13 laps on his new bike, whereas his rivals have been able to circulate hundreds of times.

In Martin’s absence, teammate Marco Bezzecchi took on a greater workload for Aprilia. Bezzecchi impressed on the final day of testing, setting a 1:29.060, only around two-tenths slower than pace-setter and arguable title favourite Marc Marquez.

Aprilia, then, have reason to be optimistic of a podium finish at the season opener. But will that be too much to ask of Martin?

Massimo Rivola warns Jorge Martin that Marco Bezzecchi will be ‘tough’ to beat

Speaking to Sky Italy, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola admitted that Martin was ‘suffering’. He’s in recovery at home with just over a fortnight remaining before the opening practice session.

Aprilia don’t yet know if Martin will be fully ‘ready’ for the weekend. They’re aiming to provide him with a bike that isn’t overly demanding.

But Rivola also offered a warning to his superstar signing. He’s been impressed by what he’s seen from Bezzecchi in testing, and he expects a ‘tough’ battle between his riders.

“Jorge is suffering, we hope he arrives ready,” he said. “We will try to give him the easiest bike possible.

“But when he arrives he will have to roll up his sleeves. He will find a tough teammate.”

The look in Marco Bezzecchi’s eyes should worry Jorge Martin ahead of Aprilia battle

Martin has already named Bezzecchi as his biggest rival for the 2025 season. His first focus is beating his former Moto3 title rival, rather than looking at Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia.

Bezzecchi has also swapped Ducati machinery for the Aprilia. He rode for VR46 last year but struggled with Michelin’s new rear tyre.

• READ MORE: Everything to know about Jorge Martin from net worth to girlfriend

It was telling that Bezzecchi was surprised to receive an offer from Aprilia. His stock was at a low ebb, so Rivola and co. are taking something of a gamble.

But they’re clearly very pleased with what they’ve seen so far. Bezzecchi had a ‘sparkle’ in his eyes when he talked about the RS-GP25, which suggests he already feels more comfortable than he did last season.