MotoGP: Aprilia Ecstatic With New 850cc Engine

Noale manufacturer confirms 850cc power unit is already running on the test bench, but 2026 title push remains the priority.

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Aprilia has confirmed encouraging early progress with its 850cc MotoGP engine, as the manufacturer begins preparations for the sport’s major 2027 technical overhaul. While KTM remains the only brand to have publicly shown an 850cc engine in action, Aprilia says its own unit is already up and running behind the scenes.

According to Crash.net, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola revealed that the Italian manufacturer is highly satisfied with the engine’s performance during bench testing, even though a full bike prototype has yet to be prioritised.

“The (850cc) engine is ready, the engine is running,” Rivola said. “Honestly, we are very happy about what we are doing on the test bench with this engine. “The (850cc) bike is a work in progress. It’s not a priority in the short term, but obviously that will come. It’s quite busy in Noale now.” 

Aprilia’s cautious approach comes on the back of its strongest MotoGP season to date. New signing Marco Bezzecchi finished third in the championship, while the RS-GP claimed three wins in the final four grands prix, underlining the factory’s growing competitiveness. 

With sights firmly set on a title challenge in 2026, Aprilia faces a strategic balancing act between continuing development of its current 1000cc package and shifting focus toward the future 850cc prototype.

“We need to think, ‘OK, what is the strategy? We push the ’26 bike (development) until which point?’” Rivola explained. “We have an idea, but obviously it also depends on how the championship (goes) next year.”

Aprilia technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini has suggested that the main development crossover toward the 2027 project could happen around March or April 2026, depending on results and momentum.

MotoGP’s 2027 regulations will usher in sweeping changes, including reduced engine capacity, restricted aerodynamics, the ban on ride-height devices, and the switch from Michelin to Pirelli as the sole tyre supplier.

Rivola has been a vocal critic of ride-height systems, which played a role in Bezzecchi’s first Aprilia win at Silverstone after Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo retired from the lead due to a ride-height failure. “They are stupid devices that we all hate, but for some reason are still there,” Rivola said.

While Aprilia’s 850cc MotoGP debut remains some way off, the early signs from Noale suggest the manufacturer is laying solid foundations for the next era without losing focus on its growing ambitions in the present.