After captivating fans during the recent presentations of Pramac Racing and the VR46 Racing Team, it is now Aprilia Racing’s turn to make headlines. The Noale manufacturer unveiled its new RS-GP 2026 in Milan, a model that stands out thanks to its bold design and ambitions to conquer the MotoGP scene.
A season marked by ambition
The 2025 season was full of twists for Aprilia, with a promising duo of riders. Jorge Martín, despite a serious injury that could have forced him to leave the team, ultimately decided to stay alongside Marco Bezzecchi. The latter proved his worth last year by bringing the RS-GP to the top step of the podium multiple times. In 2026, Aprilia hopes to extend this success and fight for the title.
A striking design
The RS-GP 2026 features a new look that stays true to Aprilia’s traditional black, but with an original touch: a lion, symbolizing the strength and Venetian roots of the brand, is integrated into the logo on the sides of the bike. This graphic choice is not limited to aesthetics; it also reflects the values that the team wishes to embody on the track: power, strength, will, and courage. “It’s the emblem of a team that never gives up,” the manufacturer states.
Results to surpass
With a second place in the constructors’ championship and a third place among the riders, Aprilia must now improve its performance for 2026. The bar is set high: seven victories, including four in GP, 19 podiums, and five pole positions are to be beaten. Massimo Rivola, the director of Aprilia Racing, knows that expectations are high. “These results give us even more responsibility,” he declares. He remains convinced that the team can do better this season.
A motorcycle rethought in every detail
To achieve these ambitious goals, the RS-GP26 has undergone significant evolutions. Fabiano Sterlacchini, the technical director, explains that “every detail has been rethought.” From aerodynamics to the chassis, everything has been improved. The V4 engine has also been reworked, even though some parts are subject to regulatory freeze. The main objective of the engineers? Stability. Bezzecchi emphasizes that “the bike is quite different from last year’s,” adding that its look is “super aggressive.”
The new RS-GP26 of the Aprilia Racing team
The riders ready to compete
The riders also seem impressed by this new machine. Jorge Martín is enthusiastic: “We clearly need to spend more time with it. I know Fabiano is doing an amazing job with the factory.” During the tests in Valencia, the bike showed promising potential, but confirmation will come during the tests in Malaysia and Thailand. Both riders are aware that every second counts to refine their understanding of the RS-GP26.
Conclusion: A season with high stakes
As Aprilia Racing prepares to enter the 2026 season, expectations are high. With a determined duo of riders and a rethought motorcycle ready to face all challenges, the Noale manufacturer hopes to establish itself on the global stage. It remains to be seen whether this ambition will translate into victories on the scorching asphalt of the MotoGP circuits. One thing is certain: fans can expect a captivating spectacle.
