Rivola Hits Back at Marquez: Ducati Also Play Team Orders at Home

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola responded to Marc Marquez's jibe about alleged team orders in his team by pointing to a similar incident involving a Ducati rider. Rivola argued that Marquez and Ducati also apply a similar strategy within their own internal ranks.

Rivola's statement came after Marquez commented on Marco Bezzecchi's maneuver that overtook Ai Ogura in the MotoGP Malaysia sprint race. Marquez argued that Ogura was trying to hold his position because he knew a podium chance would vanish if he did not. According to Marquez, Ogura should not have been between him and Bezzecchi because it would hurt Bezzecchi's points haul.

Rivola responded by quipping that Ducati also has team order business within its own family circle. He referred to the sprint race at Phillip Island, when Alex Marquez admitted he did not want to risk overtaking Marc Marquez for the win. Had Alex made that move, Marc would have left Australia with a seven-point lead over Jorge Martin, not 10 points.

Ducati General Manager Gigi Dall'Igna also weighed in on the controversy. He stressed that the sport must respect all riders who race and put their lives on the line. Dall'Igna explained that a manufacturer may ask for something, but must stop when it comes to respect for the riders. He also said the brotherly relationship between Marc and Alex makes the situation easier, and asked riders not to clash with their teammates.

"Honestly, what Marc said doesn't interest me much. Besides, in my view, they also play the team game at home, with their family," Rivola told DAZN.

The team orders controversy does tend to heat up in MotoGP, especially as the world title draws closer. Aprilia is chasing its first title, while Ducati has dominated this season. Rivola argued that Marquez's accusation is baseless because Ducati does the same thing. He cited the Phillip Island incident as evidence that Alex Marquez did not attack Marc for the win.

Dall'Igna added that his side asks riders not to clash with other riders defending the same manufacturer. So far, apart from the start of the championship, everything has gone smoothly. He stressed the importance of sportsmanship and respecting the riders' lives.

For MotoGP fans in Indonesia, this controversy adds tension to the rivalry ahead of the Qatar round. The race in Qatar will be decisive for Marquez to seal the title, while Bezzecchi tries to delay the championship party. The open conflict between Rivola and Marquez reflects how fierce this season's title fight is, and how team orders have become a sensitive issue that can affect a team's image.

Going forward, the public will wait to see whether Ducati will again apply a similar strategy in Qatar, or instead prove that they can win without team intervention. If Marquez wins again, the title will be his, but the team orders controversy will keep casting a shadow. Meanwhile, Aprilia and Rivola will try to keep their team focused so it is not affected by external pressure.