MotoGP - Massimo Rivola as the new MotoGP boss? I could have been Pope!

MotoGP is currently going through exciting times – both on and off the track. Between two chaotic Grands Prix with surprise victories at Le Mans and Silverstone, injured world champion Jorge Martin dropped a bombshell about three weeks ago when he informed his employer Aprilia of his intention to retire at the end of 2025. In addition, the new regulations starting with the 2027 season are getting closer and closer, and then there's the impending MotoGP takeover by F1 rights holder Liberty Media .

This deal was supposed to have been finalized by the end of 2024, but the European Commission (still) expressed reservations. A second review process was therefore required, as a result of which the EU is expected to give the green light after all . Official confirmation is currently expected in June – and at the same time, MotoGP could also get a new leader, according to current rumors in the paddock.

In addition to Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali , Massimo Rivola is also considered a possible candidate. When asked about this speculation in a media round at Silverstone following Marco Bezzecchi's statement victory, the CEO of Aprilia Racing could only laugh. "I think last year I was already the new Carmelo [Ezpeleta], and then I was the new team principal of several Formula 1 teams," he commented sarcastically, joking: "Honda would be a possibility too, of course... and I also had the opportunity to become the new Pope, but I turned it down."

It quickly became apparent that Rivola doesn't think much of the rumors about a promotion to the new MotoGP boss. The former Ferrari sporting director subsequently confirmed this clearly: "This [Aprilia, ed.] is my project, and I couldn't be prouder of it. I moved with my family from the Ferrari area [Maranello, ed.] to Noale, and I won't change anything about that now."

In any case, the door to becoming the new head of MotoGP would probably not open for Rivola – if he wanted to – for several years. The premier class will continue to be under the influence of Dorna Sports . While Liberty Media is taking over 86 percent of the shares in the Spanish company, the current management team around Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta is expected to remain. And 78-year-old Ezpeleta is far from ready to enter his well-earned retirement. "If I stay healthy, I would like to continue for another two or three years. That is my plan and my vision. I am comfortable in my position and have a lot of experience. Without a job, I would disintegrate," he explained recently in an interview with ' GPOne.com '.

Unless Liberty Media has other plans— and that certainly wasn't apparent when the takeover was announced about a year ago —Ezpeleta will relinquish his stewardship of MotoGP at the earliest in the 2028 season. Whether Rivola will be a topic of discussion again remains to be seen. Domenicali would certainly not be up for debate. He signed a new contract in mid-March that makes him F1 boss until at least 2029. If the premier class is to remain in Ezpeleta's hands, his son Carlos Ezpeleta would be Carmelo's logical successor. He has worked full-time for Dorna since 2013 and has served as the company's sporting director since 2017.

Who do you see leading MotoGP in the future? Would Massimo Rivola be a suitable successor to Carmelo Ezpeleta? Share your opinion in the comments!