MotoGP has been short of some genuine rivalry in recent years, but the battle between Italy’s two constructors may put an end to that this season.
Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola did not hold back when he spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of last week’s Catalan Grand Prix. “I would take [Jorge] Martin, [Marc] Marquez and even Enea [Bastianini] over Pecco,” he said. “And maybe even Pedro Acosta.” The comments drew a response from Pecco Bagnaia after he secured second place on Sunday.
Bagnaia wasn’t interested in the outside noise or Aprilia’s growing confidence after their strong start to 2024.
He told motorsportweek.com: “I don’t care about these things and I think Ducati doesn’t care either.”
Claudio Domenicali hits back at Max Biaggi’s claim that Ducati isn’t an Italian brand
Aprilia ambassador Max Biaggi had some bold words for Ducati during an interview ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season opener, as Aprilia aims to finally break Ducati’s hold on the title.
The four-time 250cc world champion told Autosport, “I’ve been in this role for the last almost 10 years, and it’s a big privilege for me to be affiliated with this manufacturer.”
He added: “The only Italian manufacturer here in this paddock because we know Ducati is German by Audi [ownership]. At the end of the day, we are the only ones [that are Italian].”
Speaking at Ducati’s season launch event in Madonna di Campiglio, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali was quick to underline that despite outside ownership, the heart of Ducati remains firmly rooted in Italy.
Via Speedweek, he explained: “Of course, Max knows Ducati very well, and I would say this conversation would be perfectly appropriate in a bar.
“I have been CEO of Ducati since 2013, and I hold an Italian passport – and 99.97% of the people at the factory in Borgo Panigale are Italian. Everyone should draw their own conclusions.”
Season launches add to growing tension between Ducati and Aprilia
Domenicali’s remarks are just the latest in a series of exchanges between Aprilia and Ducati leadership. During Aprilia’s season launch, team boss Massimo Rivola weighed in on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ducati’s future rider line-up.
Rivola was asked if he believed Pedro Acosta would end up with Ducati, calling it a “match made in heaven,” referring to a potential pairing with Marquez.
The comment quickly reached Ducati chief Luigi Dall’Igna, who dismissed it by saying Aprilia can speculate all they want about Borgo Panigale’s plans.
If Aprilia can carry their momentum into the upcoming campaign, fans could be in for a very interesting season.
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