Experienced MotoGP rider-manager Carlo Pernato believes that Aprilia’s 2025 RS-GP was actually superior to the championship-winning Ducati bike. Despite Ducati’s historic season in MotoGP, capturing all three world titles and winning 17 out of 22 Grands Prix, Pernato feels that Aprilia showed impressive performance.
Ducati had a standout year, with Marc Marquez securing 11 titles and helping Ducati clinch their seventh MotoGP championship. However, the season was challenging for Ducati riders Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio, who had inconsistent results. Bagnaia, in particular, managed only two wins compared to his 11 victories in 2024, when he finished second overall.
On the flip side, Aprilia enjoyed its best MotoGP season, winning four races and finishing second in the manufacturers’ championship. Their performance notably improved in the second half of the year, often battling head-to-head with Ducati and Marquez, raising hopes that Aprilia could be a strong contender for the title in 2026.
Pernato noted that while Marquez has influenced Ducati’s progress this year, it might not guarantee Aprilia’s victory next season. “Ducati won’t be able to sleep soundly,” he said. He added that Aprilia has not just arrived on the scene but is accelerating quickly. Although Alex Marquez continued to race on an older GP24 model, the RS-GP’s performance suggests it could be better than the current Desmosedici model.
Pernato described the 2025 season as “amazing,” praising Marco Bezzecchi, who won two races and finished third in the championship. He highlighted Bezzecchi’s remarkable growth and seriousness, saying his dedication and desire to improve are rare qualities in the sport.
Fan Take: This insight from Pernato underscores a thrilling shift in MotoGP dynamics, showing that Aprilia is becoming a formidable challenger to Ducati’s dominance. For racing fans, this rivalry promises an exciting and unpredictable future, pushing the sport to new competitive heights.
