Massimo Rivola is calling on Jorge Martin to remain calm and confident as the 2026 MotoGP season approaches. The CEO of Aprilia Racing emphasized that the 2024 world champion does not need to prove his speed in the opening races, but rather focus on believing in himself and in the potential of the Noale project.
Martin’s debut with the official Aprilia team in 2025 was heavily affected by injuries, limiting the Spaniard to just seven races over the season due to a series of physical setbacks. Despite this, there were encouraging signs, such as his comeback from 18th on the grid to fourth place at the Hungarian Grand Prix, achieved just a few races after returning from his third major injury of the year.
However, the limited time spent on the RS-GP means Martin is still in an adaptation phase ahead of 2026. Speaking at the end-of-season event in Valencia, Rivola highlighted that the rider now understands Aprilia’s potential but must find the serenity required to fully exploit it.
“I think both are very smart guys,” Rivola said, referring to Martin and teammate Marco Bezzecchi. “Jorge has realized there is potential in this team and this bike. The first thing he needs to do is believe in himself, believe that he can be at the front too. As a world champion, everyone expects even more from him. But he needs to give himself time, because he doesn’t need to prove that he’s fast—everyone already knows he is. Sometimes, when you push too hard, things can go wrong. There is a process to follow.”
Martin’s season was also marked by off-track tensions. Mid-year, the Spaniard attempted to terminate his contract with Aprilia for 2026, invoking a performance-related clause. Since he had competed in only one race at that point, the Noale team rejected the request and even threatened legal action. Martin eventually reversed his decision, confirming his commitment for the second year of his contract ahead of the Czech Republic Grand Prix.
In a recent MotoGP documentary, Rivola also revealed that Martin’s manager had informed him of an offer from Honda for the 2024 world champion.
Despite the controversies and off-track difficulties, Aprilia concluded 2025 with the best season in its MotoGP history, securing four Grand Prix victories and finishing second in the constructors’ championship, confirming the strength and progress of the technical project.