Aprilia is set to unveil its 2026 factory colours today at midday CET (11am UK), highlighting the continuation of its strong MotoGP momentum. Featuring prominently in this launch are Marco Bezzecchi, the triple grand prix winner of 2025, and former MotoGP champion Jorge Martin, who will present the new colours from the Sky Studios in Milan.
Recap of a Challenging Yet Promising 2025 Season
The season started with high hopes when Jorge Martin secured the number one plate on the RS-GP for 2025, but this promise was quickly undermined by a series of injuries. Martin was first hurt during testing at Sepang and then further injured in training just before the Thai season opener. These setbacks forced him to delay his debut with Aprilia until the Qatar race, where a crash with Fabio di Giannantonio caused severe damage, including eleven broken ribs and a collapsed lung.
After the third set of injuries, I started to have a lot of doubts about my future, myself, a lot of things,
Martin shared, reflecting on the impact of his repeated setbacks.
His uncertainty extended to his standing within the team. Despite attempts to negotiate a performance-related exit clause, Martin announced:
I have decided to exercise my right to release myself for the 2026 season.
However, though rumors linked him with a move to Honda, he ultimately decided to remain with Aprilia.
Bezzecchi’s Rise Amid Team Challenges
In contrast, Marco Bezzecchi emerged as a key figure for Aprilia by demonstrating outstanding performance throughout the season. He secured his first RS-GP victory at the British Grand Prix, consistently reached the podium, and engaged in competitive duels with Marc Marquez. Bezzecchi ended the season as a serious contender, finishing third overall in the MotoGP riders’ championship with three GP wins and three Sprint victories.
Martin’s return at Brno showed progress, though he remained behind Bezzecchi in pace. A collision between the two teammates during the Japanese Sprint resulted in Marquez suffering a fractured collarbone, which sidelined him for several rounds. Martin was out of action until the Valencia finale.
Bezzecchi’s low moment occurred at Mandalika when an early crash involving Marquez ended the latter’s season and cost Bezzecchi a likely Indonesian double win, along with a penalty at Phillip Island. Still, with Marquez absent later in the season, Bezzecchi outscored every other rider in the second half, underscoring Aprilia’s ambition for a top-tier challenge in 2026.
Technical Direction and Future Prospects
Alongside its riders’ continuity, Aprilia prepares for its second year with Fabiano Sterlacchini as technical director, aiming to build upon the progress made this season. The upcoming 2026 MotoGP campaign will test how these developments translate into on-track success with the fresh factory colours symbolic of the team’s forward momentum.
