Aprilia has made an exciting announcement with the unveiling of the RS-GP26, marking its final entry into the MotoGP arena under the current 1000cc engine regulations. This new bike represents the culmination of extensive development and refinement efforts across various aspects of Aprilia's competitive presence in the sport.
At a vibrant launch event held at Sky Italy's headquarters in Milan, Aprilia riders Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin took center stage to present this latest iteration of the RS-GP, which is adorned in the factory's signature sleek black color scheme. The Noale-based manufacturer highlighted that they have made improvements in several key areas, including aerodynamics, chassis design, and electronic systems. Notably, the V4 engine has also undergone significant enhancements in components not limited by the engine freeze that commenced at the start of 2025.
During the bike's launch, Aprilia expressed a strong commitment to surpassing last year's performance, which was already a landmark year for them in the MotoGP series. For the first time since joining the championship in 2015, Aprilia secured the runner-up position in the manufacturers' standings, falling just short to the formidable Ducati team.
Thanks to the leadership of newly appointed technical chief Fabiano Sterlacchini, the Italian brand experienced a remarkable improvement, particularly towards the conclusion of the season. This resurgence included a total of four grand prix victories and three sprint wins, showcasing their competitive edge.
The impressive results were largely attributed to Bezzecchi, who joined Aprilia following three successful seasons with the VR46 Ducati team. He notably clinched his first victory at the British Grand Prix and finished the season strongly, achieving consecutive wins in Portugal and Valencia, which propelled him to third place in the riders' standings, trailing only behind world champion Marc Marquez and his brother Alex Marquez, who rides for Gresini.
"I’m thrilled to finally be discussing motorcycles again," stated the enthusiastic 27-year-old Bezzecchi. "I am eager to begin, and while there is still much work ahead, we have been continuously engaged in preparations at our Noale facility. The motivation is high, and I can hardly wait to hit the track."
Jorge Martin, gearing up for his second season with Aprilia in 2026, faced challenges during his debut year, which was marred by multiple injuries and a troublesome contract situation. However, he remains fully committed to the Aprilia team through the end of the 2026 season and will revert to his familiar #89 race number after competing under #1 plates last year, following his title achievement with Pramac Ducati in 2024.
After recovering from his most recent injury sustained in Japan, Martin made a notable return during the Valencia finale in November and has dedicated his winter break to ensuring a full recovery.
"Building on our experiences from last season with Aprilia, coupled with the crucial tests we conducted in Valencia, my aim now is to continue our progress together," Martin explained. "There will undoubtedly be significant challenges at the start of the season, but we are well aware of the areas we need to enhance. This year, my goal is to compete for the top spots and secure another victory. Once I’m back to full fitness, we’ll be ready for anything that comes our way."
In addition, Aprilia has confirmed that Lorenzo Savadori will continue as their test rider throughout 2026, having played an essential role in the development of the RS-GP over the past few years.
As the excitement builds around the upcoming MotoGP season, we want to hear your thoughts! What do you expect from Aprilia this year? Is there something specific you’re looking forward to? Don't hesitate to share your opinions in the comments below!
