{"id":1873930,"date":"2026-04-09T11:00:06","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:00:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873930"},"modified":"2026-04-09T11:00:06","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T08:00:06","slug":"aprilia-duo-so-smart-as-team-braces-for-motogp-title-fight-tension","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873930","title":{"rendered":"Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin\u2019s MotoGP form puts Aprilia on course for a tense but \u201csmart\u201d team-mate title fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Peter McLaren <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-09T12:00:06+01:00\">09 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Brazilian MotoGP.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Paolo Bonora says Aprilia would welcome the \u201cdifficult situation\u201d of a MotoGP title fight between team-mates Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The Aprilia duo currently lead the world championship standings, with Bezzecchi winning all three grands prix so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian has made costly errors in two Sprints, while Martin and KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta are the only riders to have scored in every race.<\/p>\n<p>Martin\u2019s highlight is a debut Aprilia victory in the COTA Sprint, but he has also finished runner-up to Bezzecchi in the last two grands prix and continues to gain physical strength and experience on the RS-GP.<\/p>\n<p>That leaves Bezzecchi just four points clear of the 2024 MotoGP champion heading into the European opener at Jerez later this month.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Further intrigue surrounds a potential all-Aprilia title battle since Bezzecchi has already re-signed until 2028, while Martin is rumoured to have lost his seat to Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia team manager Bonora echoed Massimo Rivola\u2019s sentiments that a team-mate vs team-mate title battle is a nice problem to have, while praising the \u201csmart\u201d working relationship between the riders.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-862972095b774782cde0104d7e4c2aaaed3fabe6d2da59672d412ae3293863a9\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI remember Massimo Rivola answered this question and said he would be happy to manage this difficult situation!\u201d Bonora told TNT Sports.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think he was fully right. We are happy to manage this difficult situation [of a team-mate title battle].<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that we have in our garage two very strong, talented riders. But we have seen that they are so smart, and they are working together in a very positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-d8739cec94f081ab5d27dd9ea1823486d3e8287cedfdb15bf0fd12a343b30f02\">  Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims   One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Although Martin fought fellow Ducati rider Bagnaia for the MotoGP crown in 2023 and 2024, they were riding for different teams.<\/p>\n<p>The last time riders from the same team finished first and second in the final MotoGP standings was 2015, with factory Yamaha stars Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.<\/p>\n<p>That contest ended in acrimony when Rossi accused Marc Marquez of trying to assist Lorenzo\u2019s championship chances, and clashed with the Honda rider at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Marco Bezzecchi<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Jorge Martin<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">Aprilia<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Podcast: How MotoGP\u2019s reserve rider proposal could work<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302898_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-4d635341734aa81ab0594a4c339cf8b86be58b73982d3236fe5c6efd6b3bdba3\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/picture-72168-1654791772.png?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Peter McLaren<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">MotoGP Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez\u2019s injury issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-7ccf3b4ad3d7ced263cdc64d1c2b49180b069c6f11f18878659fb190fb445e3c\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  Feature <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The biggest winners and losers from MotoGP 2026&#8217;s first three rounds<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775289600\"> 04\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1303921_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi leads, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Massimo Rivola makes big Aprilia MotoGP 2026 claim<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775203200\"> 03\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299770_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin, Aprilia, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>MotoGP manufacturers \u201chappy\u201d after crunch Liberty meeting, 2027 rider deals imminent?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775059194\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304360_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Start, 2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Martin, Bagnaia in-car MotoGP chat: Ducati \u201clost something\u201d, Aprilia \u201cimproved braking\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775054154\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1302925_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Martin, Bagnaia, Acosta, 2026 US MotoGP Sprint.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Aprilia hails Marco Bezzecchi\u2019s \u201cchampion\u201d response: A \u201cgreat sign\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1775037712\"> 01\/04\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1304447_hires_1600x900.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi,2026 US MotoGP.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> MotoGP  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How Aprilia plans to manage Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Martin in MotoGP title fight<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774956223\"> 31\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/gng_1303912_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Marco Bezzecchi, Jorge Matin, 2026 US MotoGP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin\u2019s MotoGP form puts Aprilia on course for a tense but \u201csmart\u201d team-mate title fight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Paolo Bonora says Aprilia would welcome the \u201cdifficult situation\u201d of a MotoGP title fight between team-mates Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The Aprilia duo currently lead the world championship standings, with Bezzecchi winning all three grands prix so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian has made costly errors in two Sprints, while Martin and KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta are the only riders to have scored in every race.<\/p>\n<p>Martin\u2019s highlight is a debut Aprilia victory in the COTA Sprint, but he has also finished runner-up to Bezzecchi in the last two grands prix and continues to gain physical strength and experience on the RS-GP.<\/p>\n<p>That leaves Bezzecchi just four points clear of the 2024 MotoGP champion heading into the European opener at Jerez later this month.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Further intrigue surrounds a potential all-Aprilia title battle since Bezzecchi has already re-signed until 2028, while Martin is rumoured to have lost his seat to Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia team manager Bonora echoed Massimo Rivola\u2019s sentiments that a team-mate vs team-mate title battle is a nice problem to have, while praising the \u201csmart\u201d working relationship between the riders.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-862972095b774782cde0104d7e4c2aaaed3fabe6d2da59672d412ae3293863a9\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI remember Massimo Rivola answered this question and said he would be happy to manage this difficult situation!\u201d Bonora told TNT Sports.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think he was fully right. We are happy to manage this difficult situation [of a team-mate title battle].<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that we have in our garage two very strong, talented riders. But we have seen that they are so smart, and they are working together in a very positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-d8739cec94f081ab5d27dd9ea1823486d3e8287cedfdb15bf0fd12a343b30f02\">  Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims   One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Although Martin fought fellow Ducati rider Bagnaia for the MotoGP crown in 2023 and 2024, they were riding for different teams.<\/p>\n<p>The last time riders from the same team finished first and second in the final MotoGP standings was 2015, with factory Yamaha stars Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.<\/p>\n<p>That contest ended in acrimony when Rossi accused Marc Marquez of trying to assist Lorenzo\u2019s championship chances, and clashed with the Honda rider at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>Paolo Bonora says Aprilia would welcome the \u201cdifficult situation\u201d of a MotoGP title fight between team-mates Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin.<\/p>\n<p>The Aprilia duo currently lead the world championship standings, with Bezzecchi winning all three grands prix so far this season.<\/p>\n<p>However, the Italian has made costly errors in two Sprints, while Martin and KTM\u2019s Pedro Acosta are the only riders to have scored in every race.<\/p>\n<p>Martin\u2019s highlight is a debut Aprilia victory in the COTA Sprint, but he has also finished runner-up to Bezzecchi in the last two grands prix and continues to gain physical strength and experience on the RS-GP.<\/p>\n<p>That leaves Bezzecchi just four points clear of the 2024 MotoGP champion heading into the European opener at Jerez later this month.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Further intrigue surrounds a potential all-Aprilia title battle since Bezzecchi has already re-signed until 2028, while Martin is rumoured to have lost his seat to Pecco Bagnaia.<\/p>\n<p>Aprilia team manager Bonora echoed Massimo Rivola\u2019s sentiments that a team-mate vs team-mate title battle is a nice problem to have, while praising the \u201csmart\u201d working relationship between the riders.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-862972095b774782cde0104d7e4c2aaaed3fabe6d2da59672d412ae3293863a9\">  \u201cDucati will return to normal\u201d claim made for upcoming Jerez MotoGP round   &#8220;Scary&#8221; Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP warning issued as Saturday issues contrast Sunday dominance <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cI remember Massimo Rivola answered this question and said he would be happy to manage this difficult situation!\u201d Bonora told TNT Sports.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI think he was fully right. We are happy to manage this difficult situation [of a team-mate title battle].<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe know that we have in our garage two very strong, talented riders. But we have seen that they are so smart, and they are working together in a very positive way.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-d8739cec94f081ab5d27dd9ea1823486d3e8287cedfdb15bf0fd12a343b30f02\">  Michelin always doubted early Aprilia MotoGP tyre advantage claims   One MotoGP champion\u2019s form rebound is as heartwarming as it is maddening <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Although Martin fought fellow Ducati rider Bagnaia for the MotoGP crown in 2023 and 2024, they were riding for different teams.<\/p>\n<p>The last time riders from the same team finished first and second in the final MotoGP standings was 2015, with factory Yamaha stars Jorge Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi.<\/p>\n<p>That contest ended in acrimony when Rossi accused Marc Marquez of trying to assist Lorenzo\u2019s championship chances, and clashed with the Honda rider at Sepang.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our MotoGP Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest MotoGP news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/motogp\/news\/1092935\/1\/aprilia-duo-so-smart-team-braces-motogp-title-fight-tension&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/gng_1299803_hires_1600x900.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] Aprilia duo \u201cso smart\u201d as team braces for MotoGP title fight tension Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin\u2019s MotoGP form puts Aprilia on course for a tense but \u201csmart\u201d team-mate title fight. Peter McLaren 09 Apr 2026 Share Jorge Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Brazilian MotoGP. \u00a9\u00a0Gold and Goose Add as a preferred source [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1873930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873930"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873930\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873930"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1873930"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1873930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}