Aprilia MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi has confirmed that the 2026 RS-GP model has seen some positive changes, but he notes these improvements are less pronounced compared to the jump made between the 2024 and 2025 versions. Speaking after the first pre-season test at Sepang, Bezzecchi pointed out that while the bike is generally better, the overall gains this year remain modest.
Review of Aprilia’s 2025 Season and Expectations for 2026
In 2025, Aprilia marked its best MotoGP season to date, securing four race wins spread evenly between Bezzecchi and teammate Raul Fernandez. The manufacturer also achieved second place in the constructors’ championship, challenging Ducati more consistently during the latter half of the year. This raised hopes that the performance gap to Ducati would shrink even further in 2026.
Despite these aspirations, early testing results at Sepang show Ducati still holding a slight edge, with Aprilia ranking second overall, led by Bezzecchi’s fastest times.
Insights from the Sepang Pre-Season Test
After completing the three-day test, Bezzecchi shared his thoughts on the bike’s development, stating,
“The bike is a bit better, I’d say it’s improved a little in all areas,”
and added,
“The character is more or less the same. The biggest change occurred between the 2024 and 2025 bikes.”
He went on to explain that although many parts have changed this year, the scale of improvement is harder to measure,
“This year, there are many changes, but the improvements are a bit smaller. It has certainly changed, but it’s difficult to quantify how much.”
Bezzecchi posted his best lap late on the final day with a 1m56.526s, placing him between the times of the leading Ducatis. However, he expressed some dissatisfaction with his qualifying effort, noting,
“Honestly, I expected to do a bit better,”
and explaining,
“I wanted to do a bit better, but it’s difficult because we’re always testing something on the bike and I have to adapt.”
He further added,
“So, I didn’t do the best time attack of my life. But, in testing, that counts to a certain extent.”
Details on Aerodynamic Enhancements
One notable update from Aprilia at Sepang was the more aggressive rear aerodynamic wing design, which attracted considerable attention. Bezzecchi remarked on the subtle nature of such adjustments, saying,
“I think, to be honest, in MotoGP, not just for us, but for everyone, we always talk about minimal differences,”
and acknowledged the challenge in articulating these changes,
“Therefore, it’s also difficult for me to give a sincere answer to all of you questions, because, in the end, it’s very difficult to explain.”
Looking Ahead for Aprilia’s 2026 Campaign
While the 2026 Aprilia RS-GP has shown only incremental gains compared to its predecessor, the manufacturer’s strong performance last season and ongoing testing efforts suggest they remain competitive. The subtle improvements, especially in aerodynamics, could provide the platform for future strides as the team continues development. As testing progresses, closer battles with Ducati and other rivals are anticipated, keeping the 2026 MotoGP season highly anticipated among fans and participants alike.
