Aprilia Exceeds Expectations in 2025 MotoGP Season, Challenging Ducati’s Dominance

Aprilia Racing has reported exceeding its pre-season objectives in the 2025 MotoGP World Championship, emerging as a formidable challenger to the long-standing dominance of Ducati. The Italian manufacturer showcased significant improvements throughout the season, culminating in a strong finish that has positioned them as a key contender for future titles.

The 2025 season saw Aprilia introduce a heavily revised version of their RS-GP motorcycle, designed to close the performance gap with Ducati, which has secured the Manufacturers’ Championship for the past five years. The updated machine, combined with strategic rider acquisitions, yielded significant results, particularly in the latter stages of the championship.

Marco Bezzecchi, the team’s high-profile signing for 2025, quickly established himself as the spearhead of Aprilia’s campaign. Bezzecchi secured his first victory in Aprilia colors at the British Grand Prix, held at Silverstone, marking a significant milestone for both rider and team. He further capitalized on Marc Marquez’s absence due to injury towards the end of the season, clinching back-to-back wins at the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao and the season-ending Valencia Grand Prix.

Adding to Aprilia’s success, Raul Fernandez, riding for the Trackhouse Racing satellite team, also enjoyed a breakthrough season. Fernandez claimed his maiden MotoGP victory at the Australian Grand Prix, held at Phillip Island, and played a crucial role in securing a 1-2 finish for Aprilia at the Valencia Grand Prix, a feat the manufacturer had not achieved in two years.

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Despite challenges posed by injuries to key riders, Aprilia demonstrated remarkable consistency and depth throughout the season. 2024 World Champion Jorge Martin was sidelined for a significant portion of the year due to multiple injuries sustained in mid-season crashes. Rookie rider Ai Ogura also missed several races following incidents that resulted in fractures and concussions.

Despite these setbacks, Aprilia managed to outperform KTM to secure second place in the Manufacturers’ Championship, marking their best-ever finish in the premier class of MotoGP. This achievement underscores the effectiveness of the revised RS-GP and the strength of Aprilia’s rider lineup, even in the face of adversity.

Fabiano Sterlacchini, Aprilia’s technical chief, commented on the team’s performance in 2025, stating that the results exceeded initial expectations. "To be honest, it is a bit more [than we expected] because for me it was reasonable [to expect that] with the riders that we have, without [suffering] any issues, to fight for something that was between the top 5 in the riders’ championship and try to be the second manufacturer," Sterlacchini explained. "At the end, we probably overreached our target. So it is really good and it is better than what we expected."

The achievements of Aprilia in 2025 are particularly noteworthy given Ducati’s recent dominance in MotoGP. Francesco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, and Marc Marquez have won the last four riders’ titles, all riding the Ducati Desmosedici. Ducati’s continued success has led many to believe that they are the benchmark team in MotoGP.

However, Aprilia’s progress in 2025 has fueled speculation that they could potentially challenge Ducati’s supremacy in the final year of the current regulation cycle. Despite this optimism, data indicates that Aprilia still has ground to cover to match Ducati’s overall performance across an entire season.

When questioned about Aprilia’s position relative to Ducati following post-season testing in Valencia, where the team introduced a new aerodynamic package, Sterlacchini emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. "I think that you asked the wrong question because there is just one way to increase your performance, and it is to improve your performance compared to your previous bike," he stated.

Sterlacchini further highlighted the importance of maintaining their current level of performance into the next regulation cycle. "Obviously, we are looking at our level now. It is super important that in 2026 we start at least at the same level in the way that we ended the [2025] season," he added.

During the post-season test in Valencia, Aprilia evaluated various new components, including aerodynamic upgrades and a revised chassis. "We brought here some solutions, we used something aerodynamic, but we also tested a different frame with Jorge," Sterlacchini explained. "We made some adjustments, more radical compared to what you normally do during [a race] weekend in preparation of the next season."

The team’s efforts to improve their performance were evident in the results of the test. "We show that we have improved our level a lot and we are closer to the others," Sterlacchini confirmed.

Looking beyond Ducati, Sterlacchini acknowledged the progress made by other manufacturers in the series. "To be honest, looking at the performance of Honda and KTM, especially [Pedro] Acosta with KTM, [Joan] Mir and sometimes also [Luca] Marini, they show growth," he noted. "We have to refer to the rest of the championship, not just to Ducati. But, as I said, we have to refer to our level and how to improve where we are."

The 2025 MotoGP season was a significant year for Aprilia Racing, marked by notable achievements and advancements in their competitive standing. The team’s ability to exceed expectations, despite facing challenges, underscores their potential to become a major force in MotoGP. As they continue to develop their machine and refine their strategy, Aprilia is poised to challenge Ducati’s dominance and compete for the World Championship in the years to come. The upcoming 2026 season promises to be a pivotal one, as Aprilia aims to capitalize on their recent progress and establish themselves as a true contender for the title.

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