Aprilia Exceeds Expectations in Thrilling 2025 MotoGP Campaign, Aims to Close Gap on Ducati

Noale, Italy – Aprilia Racing has expressed its satisfaction with its performance during the 2025 MotoGP season, indicating that the team’s results surpassed initial projections. The Italian manufacturer emerged as a formidable challenger to Ducati, particularly in the latter stages of the year, signaling a potential shift in the competitive landscape of the premier motorcycle racing series.

In 2024, Aprilia had already distinguished itself as the sole non-Ducati team to secure a race win, foreshadowing its growing competitiveness. The 2025 season saw Aprilia further narrow the performance gap with Ducati, bolstered by the introduction of a significantly revamped version of its RS-GP motorcycle. This technological upgrade played a crucial role in the team’s improved performance and enhanced competitiveness on the track.

Marco Bezzecchi, the new addition to the Aprilia rider lineup, quickly established himself as the team’s leading star. Bezzecchi clinched his first victory under the Aprilia banner at the British Grand Prix, demonstrating his adaptability and skill on the RS-GP. He further capitalized on Marc Marquez’s absence due to injury, seizing back-to-back wins at the season-ending races in Portimao and Valencia. These victories underscored Bezzecchi’s potential as a top-tier rider and contributed significantly to Aprilia’s overall success.

Raul Fernandez, representing the Trackhouse Racing satellite team, also experienced a breakthrough season. Fernandez secured his maiden MotoGP victory at the Australian Grand Prix, showcasing his growing confidence and ability to compete at the highest level. The Valencia finale saw Fernandez finish second, completing an Aprilia 1-2 finish, a feat the team had not achieved in two years. This result highlighted the depth of talent within the Aprilia camp and the effectiveness of the team’s developmental efforts.

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Despite setbacks, including reigning 2024 champion Jorge Martin being sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to multiple injuries and rookie Ai Ogura missing races due to crashes, Aprilia demonstrated remarkable resilience. The team outpaced KTM to secure second place in the manufacturers’ championship, marking its best-ever finish in the premier class. This achievement underscored the strength and reliability of the Aprilia package, as well as the team’s ability to overcome adversity.

Fabiano Sterlacchini, Aprilia’s technical chief, reflected on the season’s achievements, stating, "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. At the end, we probably overreached our target. So it is really good, and it is better than what we expected."

Ducati has dominated the manufacturers’ championship for the past five years, with Francesco Bagnaia, Martin, and Marquez securing the last four riders’ titles on the Desmosedici. This dominance has led many to view Ducati as the benchmark in MotoGP, making Aprilia’s recent progress all the more noteworthy.

Some analysts suggest that Aprilia could potentially unseat Ducati as MotoGP’s dominant force in 2025, the final year of the current regulation cycle. However, data indicates that Aprilia still has ground to cover to match Ducati’s overall performance across an entire season. The challenge for Aprilia lies in sustaining its peak performance levels consistently and addressing any remaining weaknesses in its motorcycle and team operations.

When questioned about Aprilia’s current standing relative to Ducati following post-season testing in Valencia, where Aprilia introduced a new aerodynamic package, Sterlacchini responded, "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. 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."

Sterlacchini emphasized the importance of continuous improvement and development, noting, "We brought here some solutions, we used something aerodynamic, but we also tested a different frame with Jorge. We made some adjustments, more radical compared to what you normally do during [a race] weekend in preparation of the next season. We show that we have improved our level a lot, and we are closer to the others."

He also acknowledged the progress made by other manufacturers, stating, "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. 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."

Aprilia’s Strategic Enhancements and Rider Performance

Aprilia’s success in 2025 can be attributed to several key factors. The introduction of the updated RS-GP motorcycle brought significant improvements in power, handling, and aerodynamics. This allowed the riders to push harder and maintain competitive lap times throughout the races.

The acquisition of Marco Bezzecchi proved to be a strategic masterstroke. Bezzecchi’s aggressive riding style and ability to quickly adapt to the Aprilia machine injected a new level of competitiveness into the team. His victories not only boosted morale but also provided valuable data for further development of the motorcycle.

Raul Fernandez’s breakthrough season was another highlight for Aprilia. After struggling in previous years, Fernandez found his form on the Trackhouse Racing machine, demonstrating the potential of the Aprilia package in the hands of a confident rider. His win in Australia and second-place finish in Valencia were crucial in securing Aprilia’s second-place finish in the manufacturers’ championship.

Challenges and Future Outlook

Despite the significant progress made in 2025, Aprilia faces several challenges as it looks ahead to the 2026 season and beyond. Ducati remains the team to beat, and closing the gap completely will require further innovation and refinement of the RS-GP.

One area where Aprilia needs to improve is consistency. While the team achieved several victories and podium finishes, it also experienced periods of inconsistency, with riders struggling to find the optimal setup for certain tracks. Addressing these inconsistencies will be crucial in mounting a sustained challenge for the championship.

The departure of key personnel could also pose a challenge. Losing experienced engineers or mechanics could disrupt the team’s development process and impact its performance on the track. Aprilia will need to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity in its technical operations.

Looking ahead, Aprilia has set its sights on becoming the dominant force in MotoGP. The team plans to continue developing the RS-GP, focusing on areas such as engine performance, aerodynamics, and electronics. Aprilia will also invest in its rider development program, nurturing young talent and providing them with the resources they need to succeed at the highest level.

The 2025 MotoGP season was a significant milestone for Aprilia Racing. The team exceeded its own expectations, emerging as a credible challenger to Ducati and demonstrating its potential to compete for championships in the future. As the team prepares for the 2026 season, it will be looking to build on its success and take the next step towards becoming the top team in MotoGP. The combination of technological advancements, talented riders, and strategic management positions Aprilia as a team to watch in the coming years.