Aprilia’s recent advancements have contributed to a significant Marco Bezzecchi MotoGP qualifying improvement, according to Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora. At Assen, Bezzecchi achieved his best qualifying performance of the 2025 season, with technical developments from Aragon cited as key to this progress.
Heading into the Dutch GP, Bezzecchi had faced persistent challenges during qualifying, particularly regarding the RS-GP’s stability on fresh rear tyres. Prior to Assen, his best starting spot this year had been seventh at Le Mans, with an average position of 11th. Stability issues, especially with a new rear tyre, had been a continual point of concern for the Italian rider and the Aprilia Racing team.
The Aragon post-race test was a turning point. Bonora emphasized that Bezzecchi’s leap in qualifying—evident with a fifth-place start at Assen—was rooted in progress made during tests at both Aragon and Mugello. Notably, improvements to the bike’s acceleration phase when using new tyres, coupled with updated electronics and refined aerodynamics, offered Bezzecchi enhanced confidence and control over the RS-GP during the critical single-lap sessions.
Fine-Tuning and Consistency Remain the Next Steps
Despite the positive outcome at Assen, Bonora highlighted the need for Bezzecchi to demonstrate similar pace at upcoming rounds, specifically at Sachsenring and Brno, before attributing the recent success to a universally effective solution for all circuits. The team is eager to see if these technical upgrades, particularly in torque management and aerodynamics, will result in consistently strong qualifying performances beyond the Netherlands.
“We have to wait to be constantly there,”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
During both the Aragon weekend and subsequent testing, the squad focused on refining the bike’s response to tyre grip, helping Bezzecchi better utilize the extra traction new tyres deliver. Progress was evident at Mugello as well, with another step forward made in syncing Marco’s riding style with the RS-GP’s evolving dynamics.
“We have to keep this kind of way of working and we want to see if this setup and this setting works in a good way also in Sachsenring and in Brno.”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
Bezzecchi’s Emergence as a Key Figure in the Aprilia Team
Bezzecchi’s ability to convert his improved starting position into podium finishes—third in the Sprint and second in the Dutch TT at Assen—reinforced not only the effectiveness of the upgrades but also his growing leadership within the factory outfit. Bonora credited Bezzecchi’s determination and positive influence inside the garage, helping propel the Aprilia Racing team to a new level at a circuit where he has previously excelled.
“We would like to thank so much Marco [Bezzecchi] for his job, for his energy in particular, and to keep the team at this level,”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
Bonora noted a distinct atmosphere and cohesion within the team during the Assen event, pointing to Bezzecchi’s affinity for the circuit and the positive results observed since early in the race weekend. The synergy between rider and crew was apparent, with Bezzecchi’s leadership playing a significant role in sustaining high team morale and focus.
“Also, Marco likes so much Assen, the Assen layout.”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
Strategic Use of Aerodynamic Innovations Enhances Performance
The Dutch GP also saw Aprilia introduce a new aerodynamic package, further supporting Bezzecchi’s improvement. Trialled on teammate Savadori’s RS-GP, these modifications were quickly adopted for Bezzecchi during the race after successful evaluation in the warm-up. This collaborative technical approach underscores Aprilia’s commitment to rapid development as well as the value of input from the entire factory squad.
“So, we started in a very good way, we didn’t change so much,”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
“At the end, we tested something regarding the aerodynamics on Savadori’s side, and we bring this during the Warm Up and immediately in the race. So, we did a great job, and we’d like to thank Marco, but the team as well, and all the Aprilia guys in the factory.”
—Paolo Bonora, Aprilia Racing Team Manager
Looking Ahead: Will Aprilia’s Qualifying Gains Hold?
As the team prepares for Sachsenring and Brno, the challenge remains to ensure the recent advances in qualifying are not limited to specific circuits, but are indicative of a broader upward trajectory for both Marco Bezzecchi and Aprilia Racing. The interplay of technical refinement, team cohesion, and rider leadership has set a hopeful tone around the garage, signaling a pivotal moment for the Noale-based team as it seeks to maintain this encouraging pace throughout the remainder of the MotoGP season.
