Aprilia Racing Unveils RS-GP26 for 2026 MotoGP Season

Bezzecchi and Martín return as Aprilia targets further progress with its fastest-ever MotoGP prototype. 

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Aprilia Racing has officially unveiled the Aprilia RS-GP26, confirming Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín as its rider line-up for the 2026 MotoGP season. Entrusted to the same pairing for a second consecutive year, the proudly Italian prototype represents the latest evolution of a project that has placed Aprilia firmly among MotoGP’s front-runners.

Aprilia heads into 2026 on the back of its most successful premier-class season to date, having claimed three victories in 2025 at Silverstone, Portimao, and Valencia. The campaign also delivered Aprilia Racing’s strongest overall results, underlining the rapid progress of the Noale-based manufacturer.

The rider line-up remains unchanged, with Bezzecchi returning after finishing third in the MotoGP Riders’ Championship. Martín, meanwhile, endured an injury-hit 2025 season that kept him sidelined for extended periods, but arrives in 2026 fully fit and eager to build on his 2024 MotoGP world title success.

Both riders are entering the final year of their current contracts, with major regulation changes looming in 2027. While speculation surrounds the future, Aprilia’s focus remains firmly on maximising results in the current era.

Iconic Livery with Deep Roots

While retaining Aprilia Racing’s signature colours, the RS-GP26 livery introduces a powerful new symbol, the Leone Alato (Winged Lion). Closely tied to Venice and located just kilometres from Aprilia Racing’s headquarters in Noale, the lion embodies values the team associates with its identity: strength, determination, courage, and resilience. The emblem reflects a team determined to overcome challenges and emerge stronger.

Chasing Bigger Goals in 2026

Aprilia’s objective for 2026 is clear: to improve on an already record-breaking 2025 season. Last year saw the manufacturer finish second in the Manufacturers’ Championship with 418 points, surpassing the 400-point mark for the first time in its MotoGP history. Bezzecchi’s third place in the Riders’ Championship with 353 points also marked the best individual result ever achieved by an Aprilia rider in MotoGP.

The statistics further underline Aprilia’s rise: 19 podium finishes, three sprint race wins, four full race victories, five pole positions, and the landmark 300th Grand Prix win for the Noale manufacturer at the Australian Grand Prix, a figure that later climbed to 302 victories, confirming Aprilia Racing as the most successful European manufacturer in Grand Prix motorcycle racing history.

The Fastest Aprilia Ever

Technically, the RS-GP26 represents the final evolution of the current MotoGP era, featuring extreme aerodynamics, ride-height devices, and 1000cc engines, all of which will be banned under the 2027 regulations. As a result, Aprilia has confirmed that the RS-GP26 will be the fastest MotoGP prototype ever built in the brand’s history.

Bezzecchi expressed optimism ahead of the new season: “I’m highly motivated and can’t wait to get back on the bike. The end of 2025 was extremely positive and that gives us even more confidence. The goal is to start the season strongly and keep doing a good job.”

Martín echoed the sentiment, focusing on recovery and progress: “This is a year where I want to get back to fighting for wins. Once I’m 100% fit, we’ll be ready for anything.”

Test rider Lorenzo Savadori will continue playing a key role in development, contributing through wildcard appearances while also beginning early work toward the 2027 regulations.

Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola summed up the challenge ahead: “We’re coming from a solid 2025 and now the goal is to fight in every race. We believe strongly in the RS-GP26 and in our riders. This bike has great potential.”