Aprilia becomes the first factory team to unveil its 2026 challenger
Aprilia has officially launched the RS-GP26, the final MotoGP bike it will build to the current 1000cc engine regulations.
Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin took to the stage at Sky Italy headquarters in Milan to showcase the latest iteration of the RS-GP, which will carry the factory’s signature black colour scheme.
The Noale-based manufacturer revealed that it has refined all areas of its MotoGP contender, including aerodynamics, chassis and electronics. Even its V4 powerplant has “undergone extensive development work” in areas that are not subject to the engine freeze, which came into force at the beginning of 2025.
At the launch of the bike, Aprilia set out a clear objective to improve on its results from last year, which already marked its most successful year in MotoGP history.
For the first time since it joined the championship in 2015, Aprilia finished runner-up in the manufacturers’ standings, losing out only to its dominant rival Ducati.
Under new technical chief Fabiano Sterlacchini, the Italian marque displayed a significant upturn in form, particularly in the latter part of the season, ending the year with four grands prix wins and three sprint victories.
Most of the factory’s best results were delivered by Bezzecchi, who joined the team last year after three seasons at VR46 Ducati. Following a breakthrough win at the British Grand Prix, Bezzecchi emerged as one of the standout performers in the final leg of the campaign, capping off the season with back-to-back wins in Portugal and Valencia.
This remarkable run lifted him to third in the riders’ standings, behind world champion Marc Marquez and his Gresini-mounted brother Alex Marquez.
“I'm happy to finally be talking about motorcycles again,” said the 27-year-old. “I'm really eager to start and we still have a lot of work to do, although in reality we've never stopped: at Noale, the company is working intensely and I'm training continuously. The motivation is high, I can't wait.”
Martin will begin his second campaign with Aprilia in 2026 after a difficult maiden season that was disrupted by three separate injuries and an unsuccessful attempt to terminate his contract.
Now fully committed to Aprilia until the end of the 2026 season, the Spaniard will return with the familiar #89 race number after running with #1 plates on his bike last year following his title success with Pramac Ducati in 2024.
After his most recent injury in Japan, Martin was able to make a comeback at the Valencia finale in November and has spent the winter break focusing on his recovery.
"After the experience we had last year with Aprilia and the very important recent tests in Valencia, the goal now is to continue growing together,” said the Spaniard.
“There will certainly be a lot of work to do at the beginning of the season, but we know very well where we need to improve. This will be a year in which I want to fight for the top positions and win again. As soon as I'm 100% physically fit, we'll be ready for anything."
Aprilia also announced that Lorenzo Savadori will remain as its test rider in 2026 after playing an instrumental role in developing the RS-GP over the last few years.
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Category: General Sports
