Rivola says Marquez made the difference in MotoGP title fight

Aprilia team boss Massimo Rivola has acknowledged that Marc Marquez made the difference in the MotoGP title fight, after the Ducati rider missed his first mathematical title chance in Qatar but still outscored his rivals over the weekend.

Marquez is now 60 points clear of Jorge Martin and 74 ahead of team-mate Marco Bezzecchi, with 74 points remaining at Portimao and Valencia. Bezzecchi, who won the Qatar Grand Prix, has suffered eleven non-scores this season, compared with six for Marquez. Rivola said Marquez had scored when he needed to and won on the most difficult tracks.

Aprilia lead the teams' standings by 124 points over Ducati Lenovo and are eight points behind in the constructors' standings. Rivola said the constructors' championship is a goal and that he believes Aprilia deserve it.