Fabiano Sterracchini has emphasized that Jorge Martin’s progress in 2026 will hinge on developing the right “alchemy” between the rider and the Aprilia RS-GP. Martin’s first year with Aprilia was hampered by injuries and a prolonged adaptation period from his previous Ducati Desmosedici, resulting in participation in only four out of 22 races during the 2025 season.
Aprilia Racing’s technical director notes that the team will essentially need to start fresh with Martin next year, focusing on building a strong connection between the Mallorcan rider and the RS-GP. This effort involves both tailoring the bike to fit Martin’s style and supporting Martin as he adjusts to the machine—a relationship that led to wins for teammates Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandez in 2025.
Reflecting on the season during the Valencia test on November 18, Sterracchini acknowledged the numerous interruptions throughout the year and stressed the importance of a gradual restart in 2026 with a more constructive approach. He remarked that the bike has already shown competitiveness with various riders, but the challenge remains to align Martin’s riding style with the RS-GP. Meanwhile, ongoing bike development is necessary to address Martin’s current difficulties in handling the bike effectively.
Fan Take: This update is crucial for racing fans because Jorge Martin is a rising star, and his success with Aprilia could shake up the MotoGP hierarchy by introducing a new championship contender. Watching how Aprilia and Martin evolve together adds an exciting narrative to the sport, promising more competitive and unpredictable racing ahead.
