On February 15, 2026, in Bologna, Aprilia’s leadership expressed confidence heading into the 2026 MotoGP season, highlighting improvements to their RS-GP bike and the maturation of rider Marco Bezzecchi. As Aprilia positions itself as Ducati’s chief rival, expectations are rising, fueled by strong performances late in 2025 and promising winter test results showing that Noale’s team has closed the gap on Ducati’s dominant Desmosedici. Despite this progress, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola emphasizes the importance of maintaining humility and a strong work ethic.
Aprilia enters the new season energized, having proven the RS-GP is competitive at the highest level, especially in the absence of Marc Marquez towards the end of last year’s races. This momentum is bolstered by Bezzecchi’s growth and his role in enhancing the bike’s performance. While Ducati and Marquez are still viewed as primary challengers, Aprilia’s team is committed to fighting harder than ever to close the championship gap.
Rivola’s Message: Managing Expectations as Bezzecchi Faces a Defining Test
Aprilia stands as one of two Italian brands at the top tier of MotoGP, going head-to-head with Ducati. Although Marc Marquez secured the 2025 riders’ championship and Ducati claimed both constructors’ and teams’ titles, Aprilia’s resurgence, powered by Bezzecchi’s late-season victories, signals a new challenge brewing for the 2026 title. Rivola acknowledges that Aprilia benefited from Marquez’s absence last year but insists the pressure is mounting for Aprilia’s star rider to prove himself under full competition.
Discussing Bezzecchi’s development, Rivola stated to Motorsport.com:
“I see him improved everywhere, both on and off the track,”
?Massimo Rivola, Aprilia CEO
“This year I see a real test for him. The expectations are higher, and he’s set them himself. I hope he gets past the final step and knows how to manage the expectations.”
?Massimo Rivola, Aprilia CEO
Rivola admits the challenge of dethroning Ducati and the reigning champion Marquez remains steep. However, he asserts that Bezzecchi, supported by the significant advancements in Aprilia’s bike, is positioned to mount a serious challenge. The team also had to navigate the 2025 season without 2024 world champion Jorge Lorenzo, relying on Bezzecchi’s efforts amid roster changes, including the acquisition of rider Martin and Marquez’s move to Ducati’s official red team.
On coping with the “Marc variable,” Rivola added:
“We’ve won races, but without Marc on the track, and it’s a matter of managing our minds and Bezzecchi’s, to ensure our feet remain firmly planted on the ground.”
?Massimo Rivola, Aprilia CEO
Pre-Season Tests and the Road Ahead in Thailand
Aprilia faces a decisive moment in the remaining two days of pre-season testing in Buriram, Thailand, scheduled for February 21 and 22, with sessions starting at 4:00 a.m. local time. These tests will offer a critical opportunity to assess progress and finalize preparations before the first race weekend kicks off in Thailand only days later. The season opener includes a sprint race on Saturday, February 28 at 9:00 a.m., followed by the main race on Sunday, March 1, also at 9:00 a.m.
This testing phase is crucial as Aprilia and Bezzecchi aim to translate off-season improvements into competitive results from the very start of the campaign, balancing high ambitions with grounded focus under intense pressure. The 2026 season promises gripping battles as these two Italian manufacturers vie for supremacy in MotoGP.
