Aleix Espargaro has just told Jorge Martin the biggest reason he can win the 2026 title with Aprilia

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Jorge Martin’s title-defending season hasn’t quite gone to plan, but as he eyes a strong return in 2026, former Aprilia rider Aleix Espargaro has given him the biggest reason why a title in the upcoming season is on the cards.

Off the back of his success in the 2024 MotoGP campaign, Martin has had to deal with several injury setbacks that have seen him miss the majority of the current season of racing.

Out of the 40 races that have taken place thus far, the Spaniard has been an entry in just 13 of them.

Currently sidelined due to a fractured collarbone sustained at the Japanese Grand Prix, Martin is eyeing a comeback at MotoGP’s final round of the season in Valencia.

The 27-year-old is hoping to squeeze out some more experience in racing conditions atop an Aprilia bike that he hasn’t had much of an opportunity to get to grips with, following his switch from Ducati machinery at the end of last year.

READ MORE: Massimo Rivola makes Jorge Martin 2026 MotoGP prediction ahead of his latest return from injury

Aleix Espargaro hails Massimo Rivola as the man who ‘revolutionised’ Aprilia

Martin’s opportunity to race for a factory brand came after Espargaro announced his intentions to retire from full-time duties in the premier class mid-way through the 2024 campaign.

Having spent the majority of his MotoGP career at the Scorze-based outfit, the Spaniard has vast knowledge of the inner workings of the team, as well as the direction they were heading prior to his exit.

Espargaro joined Aprilia for the 2017 MotoGP, and recently disclosed how difficult those first few years with the Italian constructor were in an interview with Moto.it.

There came a point in time when the now 36-year-old had looked at exploring other opportunities, such as a ride in World Superbikes or setting up his own business.

However, he cited Massimo Rivola’s appointment as the CEO of Aprilia as a crucial moment in his future plans, saying, “Then Rivola arrived, the best manager I’ve ever had: he revolutionised Aprilia.”

READ MORE: MotoGP fans all say the same thing as Jorge Martin ruled out for the Portuguese Grand Prix

Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi can take confidence from Aleix Espargaro’s verdict on Aprilia’s management

Aprilia’s line-up for the upcoming season can certainly take some confidence from Espargaro’s verdict on how integral Rivola is to the emergence of the brand’s competitiveness.

Marco Bezzecchi has showcased the potential of Aprilia’s pace with some very impressive performances in recent rounds.

Paired with entering the 2026 campaign with a year’s experience of withdrawing the maximum potential from the bike, he can hit the ground running from the very first race of the season.

Rivola certainly thinks Aprilia can dethrone Ducati next year as well, so having that extra boost of confidence from the higher-ups can prove to be fruitful as Bezzecchi and Martin hope to repay the faith instilled in them.

After securing the signature of the 2024 world champion, Rivola couldn’t believe Ducati let Martin slip from within their grasp.

Now he has a line-up capable of locking out the front two spots of the grid and a calibre of bike that can get them there; Rivola’s turnaround of the Italian constructor could be close to completion.