Aprilia left Mandalika with Jorge Martin back at the top of the championship and a landmark result for the RS-GP. All four leading motorcycles in the Grand Prix were Aprilias, the marque’s first such top-four finish in MotoGP. Marco Bezzecchi took the victory ahead of the injured Raul Fernandez, while Martin finished third and Ai Ogura completed Aprilia’s quartet.

Saturday’s Sprint had followed a very different script. Fernandez started from pole, but collided with Bezzecchi at the first corner. Marc Marquez won the shorter race and moved temporarily into the championship lead. Martin, meanwhile, had to give up a comfortable advantage because of concern about his front-tyre pressure, then slipped to fourth after a later mistake.

Rivola accepts responsibility

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the decision involving Martin’s front tyre as a “serious error” and said the team owed the rider an apology. He also called for balance inside Aprilia: difficult results should not cause discouragement, while a major success should not lead to overconfidence. In Rivola’s view, the season will remain demanding through its conclusion.

The victory did not alter the margin at the top. Martin leads Marquez by two points, exactly the advantage he carried into the weekend. Bezzecchi is third, 46 points behind Martin. With five rounds and 185 points still available, Aprilia has produced a powerful statement at Mandalika, but the title fight remains open.