Davide Brivio makes a bold claim: Aprilia is closing in on Ducati's MotoGP dominance, despite Marc Marquez's absence. But is this a fair assessment?
Brivio, the Trackhouse team principal, believes that Aprilia has significantly reduced the performance gap with Ducati in the 2025 MotoGP season. This statement is particularly intriguing considering Ducati's initial dominance, with their riders consistently securing podium finishes in the first half of the season.
Here's the twist: While Ducati started strong, they only managed one more podium sweep in the second half. This is where it gets interesting. Brivio suggests that this shift allowed other teams, including Aprilia, to gain ground.
"Ducati remains a top contender, but the competition is catching up," Brivio said. He attributes Aprilia's progress to their continuous development and improvements throughout the season.
The injury of Marc Marquez, the newly crowned champion, undoubtedly impacted the season's dynamics. Yet, Brivio argues that even with Ducati's race wins, their overall dominance was less apparent towards the end.
Aprilia's success in the final races, including Raul Fernandez's victory, supports Brivio's claim. This is a remarkable comeback from their early-season struggles, where injuries plagued their riders.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Brivio's assessment biased, given his role at Trackhouse? Or is it an accurate reflection of Aprilia's progress? The statistics seem to back him up, but opinions may vary.
With Ducati's world championship success and Aprilia's impressive finish, the MotoGP landscape is evolving. Peter, a paddock veteran, has witnessed these changes, including the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi and the challenges faced by Marc Marquez.
What do you think? Is Brivio's claim justified, or is it an overstatement? The MotoGP world is full of surprises, and every season brings new stories. Share your thoughts on this ongoing rivalry and the future of MotoGP!
