Massimo Rivola made his true feelings about Jorge Martin clear after Marco Bezzecchi’s Czech GP ban

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Jorge Martin and Marco Bezzecchi have both been at the centre of controversy in MotoGP in the last two races. Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola has not shied away from who he defends and who he does not.

It was Martin who caused a ruckus in Hungary as he wiped out himself, Bezzecchi and two other riders in a collision at the first corner on the first lap. With Aprilia scoring no points and Marc Marquez winning, he did not please his boss.

Rivola said Martin did not ride like a champion at Balaton Park, and even said that his double long-lap penalty should have been harsher. At Brno, it was his teammate in the firing line, but the Aprilia CEO had a different reaction.

Massimo Rivola clearly favours Marco Bezzecchi after defending him at Brno, unlike Jorge Martin in Hungary

The championship leader caused major controversy at the Czech Grand Prix after he slapped a marshal twice in the Sprint race. Bezzecchi crashed out of the race, with one marshal accidentally revving the throttle of his bike in the gravel trap.

Bezzecchi was banned from the Czech GP and was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Marquez won again, moving to just 40 points behind him. His behaviour, while in the heat of the moment, was widely condemned, including by Rivola.

The Aprilia boss did state that his actions were ‘unacceptable’ and would not be tolerated. However, Rivola was also quick to defend his Italian rider.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Marco Bezzecchi from net worth to race number

Aprilia appealed the penalty, believing the race ban to be an excessive punishment compared to similar incidents in the past. With this, Rivola has made his feelings on Martin clear: Bezzecchi is being favoured over him.

Bezzecchi arguably committed a more serious offence in Czechia than Martin did in Hungary. Yet, Rivola was quick to defend by appealing the decision, but also quick to outright condemn Martin and blast him to the media.

Rivola did admit he was wrong to scold Martin so publicly, but the damage was already done. Now, to see his reaction to Bezzecchi’s controversy at Brno, it paints a telling picture as to how the Aprilia boss wants the title fight to play out.

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The fact that Martin is joining Yamaha in 2027 may be a factor, as he is not committed to the Noale outfit’s project long-term. But he is at Aprilia now, and should be given equal treatment as long as he has the chance to win the title – he is clearly not getting it.

Martin himself called out Aprilia after Rivola defended Bezzecchi, saying that he hopes the team defends him in the same way should a similar situation arise. It does read like a subtle dig. especially after such a public condemnation from Rivola at Balaton Park.

Martin has almost become like a second thought for Aprilia, with Bezzecchi getting the preferential treatment. Both riders have been under scrutiny in recent weeks, but Rivola is more inclined to back his compatriot in the title fight.