Davide Brivio's Bold Claim: Aprilia's MotoGP Rise, Despite Marquez's Absence
Davide Brivio makes a striking assertion: Aprilia has undeniably closed the gap with Ducati in MotoGP, even without the presence of the legendary Marc Marquez. This statement is a testament to the team's remarkable progress, but is it a fair assessment?
Brivio, the Trackhouse team principal, points out that Ducati's dominance at the start of the 2025 season was evident, with their riders consistently on the podium in the first eight races. However, he argues that this dominance faded as the season progressed.
Here's the twist: While Ducati's riders secured multiple podium finishes early on, they only managed one more sweep during the second half of the season. This shift in performance dynamics is intriguing, especially considering the absence of Marc Marquez, who was forced to sit out due to an injury.
"Ducati remains a formidable force, but the competition has caught up," Brivio suggests. "Aprilia, KTM, and even Honda have mixed things up, making race weekends more exciting and less predictable." This statement is backed by the fact that Aprilia won three of the final four GPs, including a historic victory for Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez.
The season started on a challenging note for Aprilia, with injuries to Fernandez and Jorge Martin during the Sepang test. But they bounced back, with Marco Bezzecchi securing their first podium and victory at Silverstone. Brivio attributes this turnaround to Aprilia's meticulous development work and continuous improvements throughout the season.
But here's where it gets controversial: Brivio's claim that Aprilia has reduced the gap to Ducati might spark debate. With Ducati claiming the world championship one-two and Aprilia finishing third, some might argue that the gap remains significant. However, Brivio's perspective highlights the increasing competitiveness of the field, which has made MotoGP races more thrilling.
As the season concluded, Aprilia's progress was evident, securing third place in the constructors' standings. Meanwhile, Raul Fernandez celebrated a Sprint podium and a runner-up position at the Valencia finale, showcasing the team's consistent growth.
This MotoGP season has been a rollercoaster, with Marquez's injury and Suzuki's exit adding to the drama. Brivio's insights provide a fascinating perspective on the changing dynamics of the sport. What's your take on Aprilia's progress and Brivio's bold claim? Do you think the gap to Ducati has truly been reduced, or is there more to the story?
