The ongoing MotoGPItalian manufacturer controversy has been reignited by Max Biaggi, who recently questioned Ducati’s national identity and declared Aprilia as the sole true Italian brand during an interview. Biaggi’s comments come at a time when both Italian manufacturers, Aprilia and Ducati, are making headlines for their achievements on the global racing stage.
Biaggi’s Racing Legacy and Role with Aprilia
Max Biaggi is renowned for his grand prix career from 1991 to 2005, earning widespread recognition as one of the standout talents in 250cc racing history. He secured four world championships in the 250cc class between 1994 and 1997. After moving to the premier class in 1998, he celebrated a debut victory in Japan while riding for Honda. His fierce rivalry with Valentino Rossi contributed to some of the sport’s most memorable races, with Biaggi collecting a total of 13 wins at the highest level before transitioning to a successful stint in World Superbikes, where he clinched championships in 2010 and 2012.
Biaggi currently serves as an ambassador for Aprilia. In a recent TNT Sport interview, he discussed what it means to represent the Noale-based brand, offering sharp comments about competitor Ducati’s ownership situation.
Aprilia Versus Ducati: National Pride in the Paddock
During his TNT Sport appearance, Biaggi emphasized his pride in Aprilia’s Italian roots, highlighting a distinction with Ducati, which has been owned by German company Audi since 2012. He unmistakably stated,
Image of: MotoGP
“because we know that Ducati is German”
—Max Biaggi, Aprilia Ambassador. Expanding on his connection to Aprilia, Biaggi remarked,
“I’ve been Aprilia’s ambassador for almost 10 years, and it’s a great privilege for me to be associated with this manufacturer,”
—Max Biaggi, Aprilia Ambassador, continuing that Aprilia is
“honestly the only Italian one in this paddock, because we know Ducati is German due to Audi’s ownership.”
Getting to the heart of Aprilia’s pride, he also noted,
“We are very proud odd this, and the Piaggio Group has done an extraordinary job.”
—Max Biaggi, Aprilia Ambassador. Despite Audi’s ownership of Ducati, the brand maintains its headquarters in Borgo Panigale, staying connected to its Italian roots.
Ducati’s Recent Triumphs in MotoGP
Ducati has undoubtedly made a massive impact in MotoGP over the past few seasons. Last year, it was the second-most successful season in the company’s history, as Ducati secured victory in 17 of the 22 Grand Prix races. In addition to dominating race wins, the manufacturer captured all three world titles. Marc Marquez stood out by achieving 11 Grand Prix triumphs and 14 sprint race wins in the championship season. Ducati has maintained its world championship streak since Pecco Bagnaia claimed his first in 2022. These results highlight Ducati’s deep competitive strength in the modern era of MotoGP.
Aprilia’s Strong Showing and Future Ambitions
Aprilia also delivered its most successful MotoGP season in 2025, positioning itself as Ducati’s most formidable challenger. The brand, based in Noale, celebrated three Grand Prix wins with Marco Bezzecchi and another with Trackhouse’s Raul Fernandez, which was pivotal in securing the runner-up spot in the manufacturers’ standings. In his TNT interview, Biaggi expressed growing confidence in the team’s performance:
“Now the bike has no weak points. Now there are no tracks that scare us. We can always be in the top three, in the top five. And not just with Marco Bezzecchi: Raul Fernandez has also shown that this bike works with multiple riders.”
Aprilia’s 2026 season unveiling is slated for 15 January in Milan, signaling their continued pursuit of championship glory.
The Significance of National Identity in MotoGP
The current MotoGP Italian manufacturer controversy underscores the passion and pride associated with national identities in premier motorcycle racing. Max Biaggi’s remarks reflect an ongoing debate about what it means to be an “Italian” team in an era of global ownership and competition. As Aprilia and Ducati continue to compete at the highest level, the rivalry between these iconic brands remains a focal point, with identity and corporate heritage as much in the spotlight as on-track results. The off-track dialogue accompanying their on-track battles is sure to fuel further interest as the next season approaches.
