Why Aprilia “will have a problem” after its Brazil MotoGP victory

Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola admits “I know that I will have a problem” with his rider line-up after Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin were 1-2 in the MotoGP Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Italian manufacturer assumed the lead in all three world championships last weekend in Brazil, after Marco Bezzecchi led home a team 1-2 ahead of Jorge Martin.

Bezzecchi is now 11 points clear of Martin in the standings, after the latter celebrated his first podiums in Aprilia colours with a third in the sprint and runner-up spot in the grand prix.

It’s continued a good start to the year for Martin, who was not far away from the podium in fourth in Thailand and is gaining in confidence on the RS-GP.

Rivola prepared for tense intra-team battle at Aprilia

Rivola said on Sunday in Brazil that he believes Martin has more to show given his lack of time on the bike, but is now wary of having “a problem” on his hands in managing both.

“I think Jorge still has some margin to improve, because of the low mileage he did on this bike,” he told the official MotoGP website.

“I know I will have a problem having two such fast riders.

“I don’t want to say I’m looking forward to having problems.

“But, I know that we will have to manage it soon. It’s good that we have that kind of level of rider.

“I chose that for a reason and I hope I will be good enough to manage them.”

Rivola is keeping his feet on the ground about Aprilia’s current situation, as he celebrates a fourth successive race win since the end of last season amid an underwhelming start for reigning champion Ducati.

“Unfortunately, the ones of last year didn’t bring any points into this year,” he added.

“If he’s ready or not, we will see. If we are ready of not, we will see.

“I think that, for sure, we are not used to be staying on top.

“The only thing we can do is stay humble and to work in the same way we are doing so far.

“If we will find ourselves in this position at the end of the season, it will be quite emotional and something more to learn. We are here to learn.

“Well, eventually the era starts at the end of the season because of the rule changes.

“But, after two races, everything in the classification has already changed.

“So, I think we have a good bike. I think we are a very strong team. I think we are a wonderful factory. In Noale, there are fantastic people. The package overall is quite good.”