Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola insists that no favouritism will be given in the Aprilia Racing garage despite Jorge Martin's return.
After three months away, Jorge Martin will return to the Aprilia Racing garage this weekend at Brno, but he may receive a frosty reception.
The reigning MotoGP World Champion had outlined his desire to leave the Italian manufacturer come the end of the 2025 season. However, Aprilia have made every attempt to downplay his claims, and has threatened Martin with legal action.
During Martin's time away recovering from injury, his teammate, Marco Bezzecchi, has become the standout rider for Aprilia, delivering a Grand Prix win, a Grand Prix podium and two Sprint Race podiums.
With Bezzecchi firmly cemented as the top Aprilia rider and top non-Ducati rider in the standings, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola was asked whether the pecking order in the garage has changed.
"Marco is certainly a reference," Rivola told Sky Italia.
"There is no first or second. It is the stopwatch that speaks, and the ranking. So I don't like to talk about first or second rider.
"Clearly, Jorge will be in more difficulty at the beginning because he lacks experience. I hope he reaches Marco as soon as possible because from that moment on, they will pull each other there.
"Until today, Marco has been alone, [test rider] Lorenzo Savadori has done a great job, but I can't wait for them to be close to both of us because we continue to develop incessantly."
Rivola also went on to add that he believes it will take three race weekends for Martin to get up to speed.
"When you have two riders pushing up front, I think our performance will improve and even more Marco's if possible," he said.
"I think Marco really has the bike in his hands today, but he doesn't have a reference in front of him from which he can draw.
"With Jorge, we should be good at keeping him in check a bit in the first races.
"I think [Martin] needs at least three races to get himself right, then I expect to see him in front with Marco and let's see what he will be. But I think Aprilia's second half of the season will be very interesting."
