Aprilia Racing Targets Strong Start to Asian MotoGP Tour at Japanese Grand Prix

Jorge Martín looks to defend his championship lead while Marco Bezzecchi aims to continue his podium form as MotoGP heads to Mobility Resort Motegi for Round 16 of the 2026 season.

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Aprilia Racing is set to begin the Asian leg of the 2026 FIM MotoGP World Championship as the team heads to the Grand Prix of Japan at Mobility Resort Motegi. The Japanese round marks the 16th race of the season and could play a crucial role in the championship battle as the campaign enters its final stages.

Both Jorge Martín and Marco Bezzecchi arrive in Japan carrying strong momentum after impressive performances at the Austrian Grand Prix, giving Aprilia Racing confidence ahead of one of the most demanding circuits on the MotoGP calendar.

Jorge Martín Aims to Extend Championship Advantage

Jorge Martín heads to Motegi after an excellent outing at Spielberg, where he secured victory in the Sprint race before finishing second in Sunday’s Grand Prix. Those results allowed the Spanish rider to regain the lead in the MotoGP riders’ championship.

With momentum now firmly on his side, Martín will be looking to continue delivering consistent results aboard the Aprilia RS-GP26 as the title fight intensifies over the remaining rounds.

The reigning championship contender believes the team is in a strong position heading into the overseas races: “The Asian tour begins and we are headed into it at a good time. We are working very well as a team, and I want to thank Aprilia for the great job they are doing. We need to keep moving along this path, maintaining consistency and staying focused on our objectives.”

Martín also expressed his excitement about returning to Japan and racing in front of the local fans: “I have great respect for the Asian culture, and I am looking forward to racing in front of our Japanese fans. An extremely important stage of the championship begins. Let’s go!”

Marco Bezzecchi Looking to Build on Austria Podiums

Marco Bezzecchi also arrives in Japan in confident mood after collecting two third-place finishes during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

The Italian rider has shown impressive consistency in recent rounds and hopes to continue challenging at the front as MotoGP heads to Motegi.

Bezzecchi has fond memories of the Japanese circuit and is optimistic about another competitive weekend: “It will be really great to go to Japan. I can’t wait to meet all the fans. I like the Motegi track very much, and we did pretty well there last year. Our goal is to have a good weekend and continue the work we’ve been doing.”

Motegi Presents a Unique Challenge

Known officially as Mobility Resort Motegi and formerly referred to as Twin Ring Motegi, the Japanese venue is one of the most technically demanding circuits on the MotoGP calendar.

The 4.8-kilometre clockwise circuit features 14 corners, made up of eight right-handers and six left-handers. Its distinctive “stop-and-go” layout combines heavy braking zones, long straights and slow-speed corners, placing significant demands on both riders and braking systems throughout the race weekend.

With overtaking opportunities created by the circuit’s hard braking areas, Motegi often delivers exciting racing and strategic battles.

Aprilia Ready for Crucial Championship Run

With Jorge Martín leading the championship standings and Marco Bezzecchi consistently fighting for podium finishes, Aprilia Racing enters the Japanese Grand Prix in strong form.

As the MotoGP paddock begins its Asian tour, every point becomes increasingly valuable in both the riders’ and manufacturers’ championships. Aprilia will be aiming to maintain its recent momentum and strengthen its position before the season reaches its conclusion.