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Pernat Assesses Aprilia Title Defense After Sepang
Rider manager Carlo Pernat has delivered a scathing assessment of the MotoGP title fight following the Malaysian Grand Prix, arguing that Aprilia and Marco Bezzecchi effectively surrendered the championship to Marc Marquez through unforced errors. Speaking during an appearance on Fast By Prosecco, the Italian manager commended the Ducati rider for his masterclass at Sepang while sharply criticizing Aprilia's campaign. Pernat emphasized that the outcome could have unfolded in a fundamentally different manner, expressing firm conviction that the Noale manufacturer and Bezzecchi threw away an exceptional opportunity to capitalize on the difficulties Marquez encountered during the opening phase of the year.
Turnaround From 102-Point Deficit to Qatar Match Point
Expanding on his critique through GPOne, Pernat labeled specific blunders unacceptable given that Marquez once faced a championship deficit exceeding 100 points. Over the course of his recovery, the Spanish rider overcame a margin that stood at 102 points, turning that substantial gap into a first mathematical chance to seal the premier-class crown at the forthcoming round in Qatar at Losail. Pernat insisted that without those costly mistakes, the title battle would have remained contested until the season finale, underscoring that Marquez's resurgence stemmed not only from Ducati's performance but also from Aprilia relinquishing ground.
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RS-GP Competitiveness and Missed Scoring Opportunities
Pernat maintained that Aprilia possessed sufficient technical machinery to mount a far stiffer defense against Marquez's charge. The Aprilia RS-GP demonstrated front-running competitiveness on several occasions throughout the season, with Bezzecchi proving capable of winning races and fighting at the front. However, the core issue lay in transforming raw speed into consistent results. Between riding errors, missed opportunities, and squandered points, Bezzecchi failed to apply sustained pressure on Marquez. In Pernat's estimation, fielding a motorcycle capable of winning Grands Prix does not guarantee a championship if a team repeatedly gifts points to its main rival.
Sepang Results Contrast Marquez and Bezzecchi
The Malaysian Grand Prix at Sepang provided a direct reflection of that contrast, as Aprilia watched their title hopes shatter during a race where Marquez triumphed by more than four seconds over Pedro Acosta. Meanwhile, Bezzecchi crossed the line in sixth position, prompting Pernat to voice disappointment that the Italian finished well below expectations. The manager stressed that Bezzecchi's struggles could not be blamed solely on equipment, highlighting that Ai Ogura piloted his TrackHouse Aprilia to fourth place at the same circuit, thereby confirming the baseline speed of the RS-GP package.
Praise for Marquez Alongside Critique of Rival Consistency
Despite his blunt criticism of Aprilia, Pernat made clear that he was not detracting from Marquez's achievements, praising his race intelligence, regularity, and ability to exploit every circumstance. Pernat described the multi-time champion as an extraterrestrial who offered an incredible show, and he dismissed commentators who characterized the Sepang victory as routine management. Noting that Marquez pulled away to finish nearly five seconds clear of the field, Pernat concluded that while Marquez dominated through sheer merit, Aprilia held the necessary weapons to halt his march yet failed to resist until the end.
