Trackhouse Racing's Brivio Eyes Aprilia as Potential Challenger to Ducati's MotoGP Dominance by 2026

Davide Brivio, the influential team principal of Trackhouse Racing, believes that Aprilia possesses the necessary elements to challenge Ducati’s current stronghold in MotoGP, potentially emerging as the series’ new benchmark, though he acknowledges that the path to supremacy will be arduous.

Ducati has faced increasing pressure on its dominance in recent years, particularly during the 2025 season, with Aprilia demonstrating significant advancements in its RS-GP motorcycle, posing a substantial threat to the Italian manufacturer’s reign.

The Noale-based Aprilia factory team achieved consecutive sprint race victories at the Mandalika International Street Circuit in Indonesia and at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit in Australia. Furthermore, the marque secured a commanding victory at the Australian Grand Prix, with Trackhouse Racing rider Raul Fernandez completing a remarkable run of form.

Despite encountering difficulties at the subsequent race in Malaysia, Aprilia’s sustained progress throughout the second half of the season has fueled speculation that the existing competitive hierarchy in MotoGP could undergo a significant transformation before the next major regulatory overhaul.

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When asked whether any manufacturer could potentially dethrone Ducati in 2026, Brivio stated, "Yes, I think so. Of course, it’s not easy. Ducati is very strong, and they probably have some margin. But Aprilia is doing a good job. Aprilia is catching up, and KTM is catching up. Honda is improving, and Yamaha next year will come with the V4 engine. Of course, everybody has to try to catch up to Ducati."

He further added, "2026 is maybe a strange season. And then 2027, who knows, maybe it could be full of surprises, because when there are these big changes of regulation, there is also maybe a change of balance between manufacturers. Of course, Ducati remains the strongest manufacturer, the manufacturer to beat. But everybody wants to challenge [them]."

Aprilia’s recent performances have solidified its position as a major contender in the manufacturers’ standings. With seven podium finishes and two victories in Sunday races, Aprilia currently holds second place in the championship, heading into the penultimate round of the season in Portugal.

The team has already surpassed its total points tally from the 2024 season, establishing a comfortable lead over its primary rival, KTM, in the championship standings.

While Aprilia’s progress has been notable, Brivio emphasized his consistent belief in the team’s ability to reduce the performance gap to its competitors.

"I’m not impressed in a way that [I’m surprised by the progress]," he stated. "I know that there are good engineers working [at Aprilia]. Fabiano [Sterlacchini] has arrived now; he’s full of enthusiasm, and he’s very motivated. We have confidence in Aprilia. I’m very positively impressed by the way that we were able to catch up. I think we did catch up. Maybe not every race, not every track, but in the tracks where we’re strong, really, we’ve been a danger for Ducati."

Ducati’s Current Dominance

Ducati’s current dominance in MotoGP is underpinned by several key factors, including the Desmosedici GP’s exceptional performance and the manufacturer’s extensive satellite team structure.

The Desmosedici GP has consistently demonstrated superior performance in terms of power, handling, and aerodynamics, giving Ducati riders a distinct competitive advantage. Ducati’s commitment to continuous development and innovation has allowed the Desmosedici GP to remain at the forefront of MotoGP technology.

Ducati’s satellite teams, such as Pramac Racing, Gresini Racing, and VR46 Racing Team, provide valuable data and feedback to the factory team, accelerating the development process. These satellite teams also provide opportunities for young and talented riders to showcase their abilities, further strengthening Ducati’s presence in the series.

Aprilia’s Recent Advancements

Aprilia’s recent advancements in MotoGP can be attributed to several key areas, including improvements in engine performance, chassis design, and aerodynamics.

Aprilia has made significant strides in enhancing the power and efficiency of its V4 engine, allowing its riders to compete more effectively with Ducati on the straights. The development of a more refined chassis has improved the handling and agility of the RS-GP, enabling riders to extract more performance from the motorcycle in the corners.

Aprilia’s aerodynamic package has also undergone significant development, reducing drag and improving downforce, which has contributed to improved stability and cornering speeds.

The Impact of the 2027 Regulations

The introduction of new regulations in 2027 could potentially disrupt the existing competitive order in MotoGP. The technical changes are expected to impact engine design, aerodynamics, and chassis development, potentially leveling the playing field and creating opportunities for manufacturers to close the performance gap to Ducati.

The new regulations are aimed at improving safety, reducing costs, and promoting closer racing. The changes could force manufacturers to rethink their approach to motorcycle design and development, potentially leading to unexpected results.

Trackhouse Racing’s Role

Trackhouse Racing, a relatively new team in MotoGP, has quickly established itself as a serious contender. The team’s partnership with Aprilia has provided it with access to cutting-edge technology and technical support, enabling its riders to challenge for podiums and victories.

Trackhouse Racing’s commitment to developing young talent and building a strong team culture has contributed to its early success. The team’s American identity has also resonated with fans, attracting a new audience to MotoGP.

Other Potential Challengers

While Aprilia has emerged as a leading contender to challenge Ducati’s dominance, other manufacturers, such as KTM, Honda, and Yamaha, are also making progress.

KTM has invested heavily in its MotoGP program, and its RC16 motorcycle has shown flashes of potential. Honda and Yamaha are undergoing significant restructuring and development programs, aiming to return to the forefront of the series.

The upcoming seasons promise to be exciting, with several manufacturers vying for the top spot in MotoGP. The outcome of the 2026 season and the impact of the 2027 regulations remain uncertain, but the competition is expected to be intense.

The Importance of Rider Talent

While motorcycle technology plays a crucial role in MotoGP, rider talent remains a decisive factor. The ability of a rider to extract maximum performance from the motorcycle, make split-second decisions, and manage tire wear can often be the difference between victory and defeat.

Experienced and talented riders, such as Francesco Bagnaia, Fabio Quartararo, and Marc Marquez, have consistently demonstrated their ability to outperform their equipment. The emergence of young talents, such as Pedro Acosta and Enea Bastianini, has further increased the level of competition in MotoGP.

Conclusion

The MotoGP landscape is constantly evolving, and the current dominance of Ducati is not guaranteed to last indefinitely. Aprilia’s recent advancements, coupled with the potential impact of the 2027 regulations, suggest that the Italian manufacturer could emerge as a serious challenger in the coming years.

The competition in MotoGP is expected to remain intense, with several manufacturers vying for the top spot. The outcome of the upcoming seasons will depend on a combination of factors, including motorcycle technology, rider talent, and strategic decision-making. The stage is set for a thrilling era in MotoGP racing.