Marco Bezzecchi
As Aprilia gear up for what could be a complicated title fight between Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, Massimo Rivola has introduced new rules for both riders.
Martin’s thrilling win at the French Grand Prix allowed the Spanish rider to close the gap between his Aprilia teammate Marco Bezzecchi, down to just one point.
For Aprilia, this was the ideal result, as it allowed them to extend their lead atop the championship standings while allowing them to secure an all-Aprilia podium.
Marco Bezzecchi’s championship lead is down to just ONE point! Which Aprilia rider will score more points?
Despite this, Aprilia are still not banking on the championship, wanting to stay patient before dreaming of such a massive accomplishment.
But amid concerns that Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi’s title fight might derail their championship efforts, Massimo Rivola has introduced a set of rules that Formula 1 fans will be very familiar with.
READ MORE: Massimo Rivola reveals what he said to keep Jorge Martin at Aprilia after French Grand Prix win
Massimo Rivola explains Aprilia’s ‘Black Rules’ for Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi
Speaking to GPOne after the French Grand Prix, Massimo Rivola explained how he and Aprilia plan to handle the title fight between Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.
Rivola revealed Aprilia’s new ‘black rules’, inspired by McLaren’s F1 team. Under these rules, both Martin and Bezzecchi must ride respectfully and not try any dirty or risky moves that could cost either of them or the team.
“I believe I have two riders who, in addition to being fast, are two great professionals. I believe they will respect each other. They know the rules perfectly, what we call the ‘black rules’.
“Management today is very simple. The only rule we have is respect. When two riders lack respect, you can see it immediately.
“Today’s overtaking move? Marco eased off the brakes a bit to try, but it was a fair pass. As long as teammates overtake each other like that, it’s fine. If they start knee-first entries, then it’ll be time to talk.
“They know each other well and also know which tracks one can be stronger than the other. But they also know they can’t leave points on the road.”
Fans of MotoGP and Formula 1 will recognise that these rules are extremely similar to McLaren’s ‘Papaya Rules’, which were in place to keep drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri from costing themselves or the team a shot at either world championship.
READ MORE: Marco Bezzecchi can only win ‘boring’ races and it might cost him the MotoGP title
A thrilling win for Jorge Martin at Le Mans, as Marco Bezzecchi misses out to his teammate! But what stood out to you at the French Grand Prix?
Massimo Rivola claims it’s still too early to crown ‘benchmark’ Aprilia championship favourites
Speaking further in the interview, Rivola suggested Aprilia were the standout performers on the weekend, but he still isn’t ready to proclaim them as the favourites to win the world championship.
“Yes, I think you could say that Aprilia is the benchmark bike today, but I don’t want to sound pessimistic; I think it’s still too early. If we look at the gaps, we’re talking really very close…
“They’re all there, everything changes in the space of a race. In qualifying, we didn’t have three Aprilias up front, so I’d still keep my feet on the ground. It’s true, seeing three Aprilias up front makes you think that technically we’re the benchmark, but the championship is still long.”
Aprilia are still not ready to consider themselves the favourites to win the championship perhaps because they expect other teams to eventually close the gap.
For now, Aprilia will be content with their win at the French Grand Prix. Given his performance and subsequent excitement, there is hope that Aprilia can keep hold of Martin despite him looking set to leave at the end of the season.
Right now, there is a concern that Martin can win the title and leave Aprilia. But if they get their way, they could hold on to the Spanish rider beyond the end of 2026.
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