Rivals Offering Aprilia MotoGP Pair 'a Lot of Money' for 2027
Aprilia MotoGP boss Massimo Rivola has revealed that his riders are being courted by rival teams with substantial financial offers as the 2027 rider market heats up. With only Honda and Yamaha securing riders beyond 2026, Aprilia's factory riders, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, are now in high demand.
Despite no prior indications of a 2027 agreement during Aprilia's 2026 launch, Rivola acknowledges the need for swift action due to the aggressive moves of competitors. He stated, 'I prefer not to rush, but the others are moving fast, so I might have to act quickly.'
Rivola confirmed that rivals are offering substantial sums to Aprilia's riders, emphasizing the importance of a unified commitment. He highlighted the potential for Bezzecchi's current contract to leave a lasting legacy and expressed his desire to see Martin, a world champion, fully recovered and racing for Aprilia in the future. However, he also respects the need for patience, stating, 'First, we need to give him his time.'
Bezzecchi's impressive 2025 performance stands in contrast to Martin's challenging first season with Aprilia, marred by repeated injuries and a tumultuous attempt to exit his contract early. Despite this, Martin remains confident and focused on the present, stating, 'I want to focus on 2026.'
Rivola's challenge is to balance the financial incentives from rivals with the team's long-term goals, ensuring a stable and competitive lineup for the upcoming seasons.