Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola has admitted he is disappointed that the team has not secured a title sponsor, despite enjoying its most successful MotoGP season to date.
Aprilia heads into 2026 as the only factory team without a naming partner. Aside from Aprilia and its satellite squad Trackhouse, all other teams on the MotoGP grid have already secured a title sponsor.
While Aprilia is part of the Piaggio Group, it operates on a smaller financial scale compared to rivals such as Honda, Yamaha, Ducati, and KTM. Despite this, consistent investment has delivered strong results, with the Noale-based manufacturer claiming four race wins last season and finishing second in the manufacturers’ championship.
Speaking at the launch of the RS-GP26, Rivola said he was frustrated that the team’s on-track progress had not translated into a major sponsorship deal. He added that while the Piaggio Group provides strong backing, securing additional funding remains a key part of his role.
Rivola also pointed to broader commercial challenges within MotoGP following Liberty Media’s acquisition of the championship. While MotoGP enjoys global reach and strong racing, its commercial growth continues to lag behind Formula 1, particularly in terms of team valuations and brand investment.
He stressed that MotoGP should not attempt to copy Formula 1’s model, but instead focus on raising its commercial profile while preserving the sport’s unique identity. Rivola also highlighted the importance of riders acting as ambassadors to help grow the championship’s appeal.
Looking ahead, Rivola said MotoGP’s record 22-round calendar is manageable, provided the business side of the sport improves. He suggested that reducing testing could help teams cope with the demanding schedule as the championship continues to evolve.
