French Grand Prix win: Aprilia celebrate dream weekend as Martin beats Bezzecchi

PARIS: French Grand Prix delivered a statement weekend for Aprilia, as Jorge Martin produced a superb comeback ride from seventh on the grid to claim victory over teammate Marco Bezzecchi in a dramatic late showdown.

Martin seized control of the race with just three laps remaining, overtaking Bezzecchi after a tense battle at the front.

The win marked his first in MotoGP since his 2024 championship season, and it significantly tightened the riders’ title fight, leaving him just one point behind Bezzecchi in the standings.

The celebration was even bigger for Aprilia as satellite team Trackhouse added to the success, with Ai Ogura finishing third to complete a historic podium sweep for the Italian manufacturer.

It was also a weekend shaped by absence, as reigning champion Marc Marquez missed the race after suffering a foot fracture in Saturday’s sprint crash. The injury rules him out of the upcoming Catalan Grand Prix as he prepares for surgery, further shaking up the championship landscape.

For Aprilia, though, Le Mans delivered a near-perfect result, speed, strategy, and a landmark podium dominance that reshapes the title fight going forward.