Aprilia Aims for Enhanced Versatility with Ambitious 2026 MotoGP Aerodynamic Upgrades

Aprilia Racing is banking on a comprehensive aerodynamic package, unveiled at the Valencia MotoGP test, to provide its RS-GP bike with a wider and more adaptable performance range for the 2026 season and beyond.

The Noale-based manufacturer, recognized for its aggressive approach to aerodynamic development in recent years, introduced the new fairings on Tuesday, with both Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin piloting machines fitted with the updated components.

While the most prominent modifications were concentrated on the front of the bike, Bezzecchi also experimented with a larger, Formula 1-inspired rear wing during specific segments of the test.

According to Aprilia’s Technical Director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, the latest updates are part of a broader strategy to enhance the bike’s performance across all phases of a lap, rather than focusing solely on isolated areas of strength.

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"Basically, one of the characteristics of the aerodynamic development is to ‘stretch the cover’," Sterlacchini explained. "So, for example, it is quite clear that you have a better top speed; that in terms of performance you are not improving the lap time a lot, but it is easier to overtake and to manage the race. But in the meantime, to increase the drag, that is the opposite to what you need for top speed, you can improve your performance during the braking. So, we try to stretch the cover in all the areas to have the right aerodynamic coefficient in every phase of riding."

The Valencia test proved to be a positive outing for Aprilia, with Trackhouse Racing’s Raul Fernandez topping the timesheets aboard the 2025-spec RS-GP. Bezzecchi finished close behind in second place, a mere 0.027 seconds adrift, as he conducted back-to-back evaluations of the two bike specifications.

Bezzecchi, who concluded the season with victories in Portugal and Valencia, offered a cautious assessment of the new bike, citing disruptions caused by the weather-affected conditions early in the day.

"Well, it’s different of course, but there’s always not enough time to really understand," he stated. "Of course, we tested many things, but the day was a bit peculiar because of the weather condition. We lost a lot of time, a lot of track time. So, mixed feelings as always in testing. Some positives, for sure, but also many doubts, many negatives, like every time on testing. We will have to really analyse everything well before taking decisions. It was just an appetiser."

Bezzecchi noted that the performance gap between the two Aprilia bikes was relatively small, but acknowledged the difficulty in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the 2026 RS-GP within the limited timeframe.

"It was very similar between the two," he said. "Maybe with the new one it was the best lap time, but anyway, it was like half a tenth slower with the other one. It’s normal at the beginning. I know the bike very well from this season, I think I made 10,000 km on this season’s bike. So, in just 40 or 50 laps with the new bike, it’s impossible to really understand [it]."

During the Valencia test, only Bezzecchi and Martin had the opportunity to evaluate the 2026 bike, as Trackhouse Racing riders Fernandez and Ai Ogura did not have access to the new components.

Background: Aprilia’s Recent MotoGP Performance

Aprilia’s factory team has been a consistent, albeit not dominant, force in MotoGP in recent seasons. In the 2023 season, Aprilia secured several podium finishes, with Maverick Viñales and Aleix Espargaró leading the charge. Espargaró finished sixth in the championship standings, demonstrating the team’s ability to consistently challenge for top positions.

However, the team has faced challenges in achieving consistent race wins and mounting a sustained championship challenge. Reliability issues and the fierce competition from other manufacturers, particularly Ducati, have hindered Aprilia’s progress.

Aerodynamic Development in MotoGP

Aerodynamic development has become an increasingly crucial aspect of MotoGP in recent years. Manufacturers are constantly seeking innovative ways to improve their bikes’ performance through aerodynamic enhancements. These improvements can include changes to the fairing, wings, and other bodywork components, all aimed at optimizing airflow and increasing downforce.

The pursuit of aerodynamic gains has led to some radical designs, with teams pushing the boundaries of what is possible within the technical regulations. Aprilia has been at the forefront of this aerodynamic arms race, often introducing bold and innovative solutions.

The 2026 Technical Regulations

The 2026 MotoGP season will see significant changes to the technical regulations, including a reduction in engine capacity from 1000cc to 850cc and the introduction of sustainable fuels. These changes are expected to have a major impact on bike design and performance, with manufacturers needing to adapt their machines to the new rules.

Aprilia’s early focus on aerodynamic development for 2026 suggests that the team is taking a proactive approach to these changes, aiming to gain a competitive advantage by optimizing its bike’s aerodynamics for the new regulations.

Rider Perspectives

The riders’ feedback will be crucial in shaping the final aerodynamic package for the 2026 season. Bezzecchi’s initial impressions, while cautious, suggest that the new components have the potential to improve the bike’s overall performance.

However, further testing and analysis will be needed to fully understand the impact of the aerodynamic changes and to fine-tune the bike’s setup for different tracks and conditions.

Competition and Rivals

Aprilia faces stiff competition from other manufacturers in MotoGP, including Ducati, Yamaha, Honda, and KTM. Ducati has been the dominant force in recent seasons, with its Desmosedici bike setting the benchmark for performance.

Yamaha and Honda are both undergoing significant restructuring and development programs, aiming to close the gap to Ducati. KTM has also made significant progress in recent years, with its RC16 bike becoming increasingly competitive.

Team Strategy

Aprilia’s strategy for the 2026 season appears to be focused on maximizing the versatility of its RS-GP bike. By developing an aerodynamic package that provides benefits in multiple areas, such as top speed, braking, and cornering, Aprilia hopes to create a machine that is competitive on a wide range of circuits.

This approach reflects the increasing importance of adaptability in MotoGP, with riders needing to be able to extract the maximum performance from their bikes in diverse conditions.

Future Testing and Development

Aprilia is expected to continue its aerodynamic development program throughout the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with further testing sessions planned to evaluate new components and gather data.

The team’s engineers will be closely monitoring the performance of the new aerodynamic package, using data analysis and rider feedback to identify areas for further improvement.

Team Statistics

Aprilia’s MotoGP team has achieved the following notable results:

Race Wins: 4
Podium Finishes: 29
Pole Positions: 2
Fastest Laps: 6

Rider Records

Aleix Espargaró: 2 wins, 11 podiums, 1 pole position
Maverick Viñales: 2 wins, 12 podiums, 1 pole position
Marco Bezzecchi: 2 wins, 7 podiums, 0 pole positions
Jorge Martin: 0 wins, 2 podiums, 0 pole positions
Raul Fernandez: 0 wins, 0 podiums, 0 pole positions
Ai Ogura: 0 wins, 0 podiums, 0 pole positions

Upcoming Fixtures

The next official MotoGP test is scheduled to take place at Sepang International Circuit in Malaysia in February 2024. This test will provide Aprilia with another opportunity to evaluate its new components and gather data in preparation for the 2024 season.

Conclusion

Aprilia’s ambitious aerodynamic upgrades for the 2026 MotoGP season reflect the team’s commitment to innovation and its determination to challenge for race wins and championships.

While the initial testing results have been encouraging, further development and analysis will be needed to fully realize the potential of the new aerodynamic package.

The team’s success in 2026 will depend not only on the performance of its bike but also on the skill and determination of its riders.