When Liberty Media’s takeover was confirmed, Aprilia CEO Masimo Libora’s name was repeatedly raised as a potential new MotoGP boss.
Formula 1 owner, Liberty Media has a contract to acquire 86% of MotoGP.
The deal took a major step earlier this month when Reuters reported that the European Union would provide unconditional anti-trust approvals.
Unconfirmed rumors speculate about whether Dona’s CEO Ezpereta could be replaced with a famous face when Liberty Media takes over.
Massimo Rivola responds to MotoGP boss rumors
Chuck Akland, the right-hand man of MotoAmerica Wayne Rainey, was mentioned.
Interestingly, Ribora’s name is also mentioned.
Ribora has worked in Formula 1 with Minardi, Toro Rosso and Ferrari. He knows F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali.
However, Ribora pours cold water on the rumors.
“There’s nothing true about what’s been said,” he told Sky Italia in Qatar last week.
“Carmelo Ezpeleta does a great job. I will do my own thing and never allow him to oppose him.
“We already have problems with Aprilia, and we need to try and make up for the lost gap.
“I accepted the cause, but this is the most interesting year for Jorge Martin and Marco Betzecchi…”
A more pressing concern about Ribola is Martin’s latest enduring injury.
Martin’s start of 2025 was a nightmare when he became the MotoGP champion at Ducati, a star signed by Aprilia last year.
He missed the first three rounds due to an injury just days before the first race.
Martin returned to Qatar but remained hospitalized with folded lungs and multiple rib fractures.