After securing multiple race victories in 2025, Aprilia has openly shared its high hopes for the 2026 MotoGP season. The Noale factory, now in its 10th year since returning to the series as a factory team with the original RS-GP during the final Bridgestone season, wrapped up the recent season with three wins and a third-place finish in the championship courtesy of factory rider Marco Bezzecchi, alongside a win from Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez.
This success stood in stark contrast to the challenging year faced by Jorge Martin, who, despite signing a high-profile contract with Aprilia in 2025 and defending his title, managed to finish only four out of the 22 races. Nonetheless, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola is zeroed in on success as he reflects on what the 2025 campaign means for the team’s 2026 goals.
Rivola described the season as thrilling but marked by two key elements: Jorge Martin’s serious injury and the rapid advancement of Marco Bezzecchi. He highlighted the impressive achievement of over 400 points in the Manufacturers’ Championship and expressed confidence and ambition to compete for the title in 2026. Rivola also extended thanks to the Trackhouse MotoGP team for their contributions to Aprilia’s technical and competitive development.
Acknowledging the strong competition, Rivola emphasized the team’s determination to keep improving under the guidance of technical director Fabiano Stelracchini, which fuels their optimism for the entire 2026 season. He eagerly anticipates testing the RS-GP26 bike in Sepang, confident it will be a winner.
Aprilia stood out during the post-race MotoGP test in Valencia on November 18, experimenting with a new chassis for Jorge Martin and a fresh fairing design tested by both Martin and Bezzecchi. Raul Fernandez ended the test fastest on his season-ending bike, showcasing the team’s promising direction.
Fan Take: This update signals a vital moment for Aprilia fans and MotoGP enthusiasts alike, as it reveals the team’s firm intent to challenge for the championship in 2026. If Aprilia’s continuous development pays off, the sport could see heightened competition and new thrilling rivalries next season, making the races even more exciting to watch.
