Aprilia’s MotoGP 2026 championship pursuit is gathering momentum as the Italian team sets its sights on top honors in a season brimming with promise and anticipation. With star figures Massimo Rivola and Marco Bezzecchi leading the charge from Noale, Aprilia aims to capitalize on changing dynamics in the paddock and challenge established giants across an action-packed year.
Aprilia Enters 2026 Season Fueled by Ambition
The energy in Aprilia’s camp this year is drastically different from prior seasons. After a tumultuous period marked by uncertainty, optimism has taken hold, and the mood is one of excitement and determination. Rivola, serving as sports director, and Bezzecchi, now the team’s leading rider, are united in their ambition to challenge rivals like Marc Márquez, Pecco Bagnaia, and the VR46 team as the sport enters a critical juncture. Ducati’s stranglehold is showing cracks, highlighted by the reigning world champion’s absence, which further emboldens Aprilia’s championship pursuit.
Insights from a Revealing Rapid-Fire Interview
In an exclusive interview with Moto.It, Rivola and Bezzecchi discussed the road ahead by sharing personal stories and opinions about the upcoming campaign. They opened the conversation by introducing themselves, touching on their educational backgrounds: Bezzecchi recounted,
“I graduated from a professional mechanics school,”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider. Meanwhile, Rivola spoke of his academic experience in economics, each revealing a foundation of discipline and knowledge that shapes their approach to racing.
The discussion soon shifted to racetrack preferences, unveiling the nuances in each man’s psyche. Bezzecchi confessed,
“I love every track where I perform well and detest those where I struggle.”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider. For Rivola, Barcelona stood out as a favorite while he was less enthusiastic about Magione, critiquing its size and condition.
Foundations: Heroes, Strengths, and Values
The duo reminisced about their racing idols, with both citing Valentino Rossi as an early influence. Rivola added depth to his choice, later referencing Kevin Schwantz, demonstrating his wide-ranging admiration for racing legends. When pressed about personal traits, Bezzecchi mentioned his abiding patience and determination. Rivola, true to his role, cited his resolve, though he admitted a fondness for speed in earlier discussions.
A particular memory at Misano illustrated the depth of their working relationship. Rivola recalled,
“After an incredible race, we embraced in the paddock, and he apologized for a minor error that allowed Márquez to pass.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director. Bezzecchi praised the unpredictability of his team leader, observing,
“He is a person full of surprises,”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider, highlighting the camaraderie and understanding that underpins Aprilia’s campaign.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Machine and Regulatory Shifts
In the interview, attention turned to their impressions of what defines a standout race bike. Bezzecchi listed his top visual cues,
“The front number, the fairing, and the overall design,”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider, while Rivola expressed a broader appreciation for the bike’s artistic qualities. As MotoGP prepares for regulatory changes in 2027, particularly regarding the controversial ‘start device,’ Rivola asserted support for its removal, whereas Bezzecchi withheld judgment, explaining,
“I neither love nor hate it; I’m eager to try it more.”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider.
The swelling race calendar, now set at 22 events, prompted debate. Rivola argued for a streamlined season, believing,
“It’s a lot, especially with all these tests. Personally, I believe we could have a balanced championship with 18 races while keeping the tests. If we stick with 22, then we should eliminate tests altogether. My engineers might kill me for saying that, but my role is different now.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director. The stress of an extended season is not lost on the technical team, yet the desire to see Aprilia’s true capabilities remains undiminished.
Competitors and Rising Stars: Assessing the 2026 Rivals
Rivola and Bezzecchi evaluated the prospects of their main competitors for the 2026 season. Both regarded Honda and Yamaha as formidable, referencing Honda’s recent return to the podium and Yamaha’s competitive efforts with Fabio Quartararo. When asked about KTM and its rising star, Rivola lauded Pedro Acosta, confidently stating,
“Yes, yes, yes! Pedro will come in strong; Maverick will return in form, and they have four very competitive riders.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director. The team acknowledged that renewed focus and emerging talent would make the championship as unpredictable as ever.
Aprilian heritage also received a nod, with special mention of Max Biaggi. Rivola’s reverence was clear:
“He is a legend; always ready to lend a hand or offer advice. His perspective, backed by immense experience, is invaluable.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director. This generational wisdom continues to bolster the brand as new contenders rise.
Mental Resilience and the Importance of Support
The psychological aspect of racing surfaced as both men reflected on the benefits of sports psychologists. Bezzecchi revealed his prior experience,
“I used one in the past during my time in Valentino’s academy,”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider, emphasizing the value of mental training. Rivola endorsed individual choice in this regard, stating,
“Everyone is free to use whatever they wish.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director.
Newcomers and Future Champions: The Toprak Question
Debate surrounded the prospects of Toprak Razgatlioglu, the Superbike sensation crossing into MotoGP. Rivola adopted a careful stance:
“This is tough. He’s undeniably talented, but it will depend on the bike and race conditions. For example, in wet conditions… I can’t say yes, but I won’t rule it out.”
—Massimo Rivola, Sports Director. Bezzecchi showed faith in adaptability, responding,
“Ultimately, Toprak is incredibly strong. If he adapts quickly, there’s no reason he can’t succeed.”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider. The emergence of new skills in the MotoGP universe continues to raise both questions and possibilities about the future competitive landscape.
Aprilia’s Championship Prospects: Can They Deliver in 2026?
As the conversation concluded, focus reverted to the ultimate goal—Aprilia’s bid for the 2026 world championship. Rivola responded without hesitation, announcing his faith in the project. Bezzecchi provided a cautious but hopeful sentiment, stating,
“I hope so. It’s still early to tell, and we’ll see how the tests unfold.”
—Marco Bezzecchi, Star Rider.
With the 2026 MotoGP season approaching and internal optimism running high, Aprilia is equipped for one of its most significant campaigns yet. As the calendar fills with 22 intense rounds, the leadership duo’s drive and unity illuminate a path toward Aprilia’s long-awaited moment at the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.
