Aprilia has revealed a striking all-white special livery for the upcoming San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, paying tribute to Formula 1 icon Gilles Villeneuve as part of the celebration for Vespa’s 80th anniversary. Both factory RS-GP bikes ridden by polesitter Marco Bezzecchi and championship leader teammate Jorge Martin will feature this ‘Perla Bianca’ design during the race weekend.
The design draws inspiration from the white racing suit that Ferrari legend Gilles Villeneuve famously wore when winning the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix. On that suit, the late Canadian driver—who tragically passed away in a 1982 crash in Belgium—displayed the Piaggio Vespa logo, linking the tribute directly to the brand.
This homage is a way for Aprilia to honor the renowned Vespa brand during the San Marino Grand Prix. Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola reflected on Vespa’s 80-year legacy as a beloved global symbol and highlighted the connection with Villeneuve, one of the most admired drivers in Formula 1 history. He remarked, “Gilles captivated millions with his skill and racing spirit, much like how Vespa has inspired generations worldwide. Bringing this memory back home to Misano celebrates two legends that—although from different arenas—have deeply influenced history and captured the imagination of many.”
Rivola noted the fitting timing as the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix takes place this weekend, recalling that Gilles Villeneuve achieved his final victory in Jarama in 1981—the same year as the white suit that inspired this design. The GV27 heritage brand also pointed out details such as the classic Vespa logo and Gilles’ signature on the bike’s front screen, calling it a stunning tribute. “We are proud to commemorate Vespa’s milestone anniversary alongside this homage,” they said.
On the track, Bezzecchi will strive for his fifth win of the season at Misano after claiming pole by breaking the lap record in qualifying. In the sprint race on Saturday, he finished second, having been overtaken by Ducati’s Marc Marquez at the first turn. Meanwhile, Martin leads the championship by 14 points, having secured third place in the sprint, with Bezzecchi sitting third overall, 22 points behind.
Fan Take:
This special livery brilliantly bridges the worlds of MotoGP and Formula 1, celebrating racing heritage and the enduring legacy of iconic figures like Gilles Villeneuve. For fans, it’s a reminder of how motorsport history continues to inspire fresh stories and designs, enriching the spectacle and emotional connection to the sport.
Source: www.crash.net
