In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the MotoGP paddock, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has reportedly called signing Jorge Martin “the mistake of my life” following the reigning world champion’s devastating crash at the Qatar Grand Prix 2025. The incident, which left Martin hospitalized with a pneumothorax and rib fractures, has cast a shadow over Aprilia’s ambitious plans for the season and raised questions about the decision to bring the Spanish superstar on board.
When Aprilia secured Martin’s signature in June 2024, it was hailed as a masterstroke. The 2024 MotoGP champion, known for his blistering pace and relentless consistency, was seen as the perfect rider to elevate Aprilia’s RS-GP to new heights. Rivola himself described the deal as “the fastest contract in history,” finalized in just 24 hours after Martin’s fallout with Ducati. “We are super happy to sign Jorge,” Rivola beamed at the time, envisioning a dream lineup alongside Maverick Viñales or Marco Bezzecchi.
But the fairy tale unraveled before it truly began. Martin’s 2025 season was plagued by misfortune from the start. A highside crash during pre-season testing in Sepang left him with fractures in his left foot and right hand, sidelining him for the opening three rounds. A subsequent supermoto training accident in February added more injuries, delaying his debut further. When Martin finally returned for the Qatar GP, hopes were high that the number one plate would spark a revival for Aprilia, which had struggled to just 49 points in the manufacturers’ standings.
The Qatar GP, however, turned into a nightmare. In a heart-stopping moment between Turns 12 and 13, Martin lost control on the outside kerb, crashing heavily. As he lay on the track, Fabio Di Giannantonio’s Ducati struck him in the back, exacerbating his injuries. Di Giannantonio called it “the worst scene of my life,” while Aprilia confirmed Martin’s pneumothorax and rib fractures would require days in hospital. The crash not only ended Martin’s race but also threw Aprilia’s season into disarray.
Rivola’s alleged admission came in the aftermath, a raw and emotional reflection on a decision that once seemed unassailable. “The mistake of my life,” he reportedly said, words that have stunned fans and insiders alike. While Rivola has publicly supported Martin—praising his presence as “an additional source of motivation” even when injured—this private regret suggests deeper frustrations. Did Aprilia overestimate Martin’s ability to adapt to the RS-GP? Or was the team unprepared for the risks of signing a rider recovering from multiple setbacks?
The Qatar incident has amplified scrutiny on Aprilia’s strategy. Without Martin, the team leaned on Marco Bezzecchi and rookie Ai Ogura, but results were lackluster. Bezzecchi, despite showing promise in testing, scored only 24 points in the first three rounds, struggling with one-lap pace. Ogura impressed with flashes of brilliance, hinting at the RS-GP’s potential, but Aprilia’s third-place standing, miles behind Ducati’s 133 points, tells a story of missed opportunities.
Rivola’s regret may also stem from the ripple effects of Martin’s absence. The team’s push for a rule change to allow injured riders private testing was blocked by Ducati, leaving Martin unable to shake down the RS-GP before Qatar. “Suppose he tries in FP1 and doesn’t feel good,” Rivola had warned earlier. “Then we’ll have one less bike for the whole weekend.” His fears proved prophetic, as Martin’s crash highlighted the dangers of a premature return.
Yet, even in this dark moment, there’s a glimmer of resilience. Martin’s determination to race in Qatar, despite admitting he was “undoubtedly not 100%,” showcased the fighting spirit that made him a champion. Rivola, too, has a history of bouncing back. His bold move to sign Martin, though now questioned, was rooted in a vision to challenge the MotoGP elite. “The project is lacking power,” he admitted recently, but with Martin’s recovery underway, Aprilia could still turn the tide.
For now, the paddock buzzes with debate: Was Martin’s signing truly a mistake, or is Rivola’s despair a fleeting reaction to a brutal sport’s unpredictability? One thing is certain—Jorge Martin’s journey with Aprilia is far from over. As he heals and the RS-GP evolves, the Spaniard has a chance to prove his worth and silence the doubters. For Rivola, redemption lies in transforming this “mistake” into a triumph that could define his legacy.
