Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has emphasized that MotoGP 2026 Jorge Martin must place more faith in his abilities as he prepares for the upcoming season. As the reigning world champion, Martin faces the challenge of adapting after an injury-marred debut with the factory Aprilia team.
Injuries Limit Martin’s Debut but Flashes of Speed Give Hope
Jorge Martin, despite his world champion status, participated in only seven races during his first year with Aprilia due to recurring injuries. Notably, Martin delivered a remarkable performance when he advanced from eighteenth on the starting grid to finish fourth in Hungary, just a few events after recovering from his third significant injury within the year. His brief time on the Aprilia motorcycle means he continues to adapt as he heads into the 2026 MotoGP campaign.
Aprilia Leadership Highlights Importance of Self-Belief
Speaking in Valencia at the conclusion of the season, Massimo Rivola said Martin is starting to recognize the potential of his Aprilia team. He believes that the key for Martin is to build confidence in himself in order to fully exploit the team’s capabilities.
“I think that they are both quite smart guys,”
Rivola said of Martin and team-mate Marco Bezzecchi.—Massimo Rivola, CEO, Aprilia
“I think Jorge understands that there is potential in this team and this bike, and the first thing that Jorge needs to think about is to believe in himself, believe in the fact that he can also be there.”
—Massimo Rivola, CEO, Aprilia
What Lies Ahead for Jorge Martin and Aprilia
As MotoGP 2026 approaches, the main focus for Jorge Martin is to continue adapting to the Aprilia machine, while building the level of self-belief highlighted by his team principal. With flashes of performance already shown despite challenging circumstances, Martin’s journey through the upcoming season will be watched closely by fans and team members alike, as he seeks to fulfill his potential and target further success in the premier class.
