APRILIA RACING MAKES HISTORY WITH ITS FIRST-EVER MOTOGP TOP-FOUR SWEEP AT MANDALIKA

MARCO BEZZECCHI WINS THE RACE, WITH JORGE MARTÍN THIRD RAÚL FERNÁNDEZ ALSO ON THE PODIUM, WITH AI OGURA FOURTH FOR THE TRACKHOUSE MOTOGP TEAM

A weekend destined to go down in Aprilia Racing history ended with an unprecedented result: four RS-GP26 machines in the top four positions in the Mandalika Grand Prix. Marco Bezzecchi took victory ahead of Raúl Fernández and Jorge Martín, with Ai Ogura finishing fourth to complete Aprilia Racing’s first-ever MotoGP top-four sweep.

Starting from second on the grid, Bezzecchi delivered a smart and consistent race, also setting the fastest lap in 1’29.960. For the Italian rider, it was his eleventh victory in the premier class and his fifth of the season, following wins in Buriram, Goiânia, Austin and Mugello. His success also marked the 300th Italian victory in the premier class of Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

Jorge Martín finished third after a solid performance that earned him his ninth podium of the season and his third in a row following Austria and Japan. Thanks to the points scored in Mandalika, the Spaniard also returned to the top of the overall standings with 355 points.

Making the result even more significant were the performances of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team: Raúl Fernández secured second place, completing an all-Aprilia Racing podium at Mandalika, while Ai Ogura finished fourth, sealing a historic first for Aprilia with four RS-GP machines occupying the top four positions.

Sunday’s result transformed a weekend that had started in more challenging fashion. In the Sprint, Martín, starting fifth, immediately moved into the lead before an issue with front tyre pressure forced him to lose ground in the closing stages and finish fourth. Bezzecchi, meanwhile, was forced to retire after contact at the first corner.

There had nevertheless been encouraging signs in the shorter race as well: Ai Ogura of the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team finished second, putting the RS-GP26 on the podium, while Raúl Fernández had secured pole position with a time of 1’28.852.

With the Mandalika result, Aprilia Racing secured its fourth 1-2-3 finish of the season, following Le Mans, Assen and Silverstone. The Noale-based manufacturer now has 310 victories in Grand Prix motorcycle racing.

MARCO BEZZECCHI

"I’m happy with my race. I really wanted to leave Mandalika with a good result, and I’d been chasing this win since my injury at the Sachsenring. It felt really good. Clearly, with only five races left, the title is more lost than won. But that doesn’t change how I think or work, especially with my team. I’m not a rider who gives up. That’s who I am, and I’m happy to have met so many like-minded people along the way who I’m fortunate enough to work with."

JORGE MARTÍN

"I’m happy with this podium because I achieved the best possible result. Marco and Raúl had something extra all weekend. I tried to close the gap, but they were faster. I’m still a little disappointed with yesterday’s result because I could have won, but I’m happy with today’s. As for the championship, the most important thing is to stay in the title fight and, above all, arrive in Valencia with a chance."

MASSIMO RIVOLA

“Once again, Aprilia means high drama, for better and for worse. Saturday started in the best possible way with pole position for Raúl Fernández, but the sprint was marred by a mistake at turn one and a serious error over Jorge’s front tyre pressure, for which we owe him an apology. At least Ai’s superb ride through the field salvaged something from it. Sunday, on the other hand, has been a day to remember, with four RS-GP bikes in the top four for the first time. We know it will be tough right to the end, but just as we don’t get disheartened when things go badly, we don’t get carried away when they go well. I want to congratulate everyone at Noale on their commitment and dedication, which are proving so valuable in this hard-fought season."