Trackhouse Racing's Brivio Pins Hopes on Aprilia to Challenge Ducati's MotoGP Dominance by 2026

Davide Brivio, the Trackhouse Racing team principal, believes that Aprilia possesses the potential to disrupt Ducati’s reign in MotoGP, though he acknowledges the significant challenge that lies ahead. Ducati has faced increased competition in recent years, particularly in the 2025 season, with Aprilia making substantial advancements with its RS-GP machine, posing a credible threat to the Italian manufacturer’s dominance.

Aprilia demonstrated its growing prowess with consecutive sprint race victories at Mandalika and Phillip Island. Furthermore, Trackhouse rider Raul Fernandez’s triumph at the Australian Grand Prix underscored Aprilia’s improved form. Despite encountering difficulties at the subsequent round in Malaysia, Aprilia’s progress during the latter half of the season has fueled speculation that the competitive landscape in MotoGP could shift before the next significant regulation changes.

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

Brivio also alluded to the potential for significant changes in the sport’s competitive balance due to impending regulation changes. "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," he added.

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He acknowledged Ducati’s current strength but emphasized the collective ambition of other manufacturers to challenge their supremacy. "Of course, Ducati remains the strongest manufacturer, the manufacturer to beat. But everybody wants to challenge [them]," Brivio concluded.

Aprilia’s resurgence is underscored by their strong performance in the manufacturers’ standings. With seven podium finishes and two victories in Sunday races, Aprilia has solidified its position in second place, heading into the penultimate round of the season in Portugal. The team has already surpassed its points total from the 2024 season, while also distancing itself from rival KTM in the championship standings.

Brivio expressed confidence in Aprilia’s ability to close the gap to its competitors. "I’m not impressed in a way that [I’m surprised by the progress]," he said. "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 track where we’re strong, really, we’ve been a danger for Ducati," Brivio explained.

Background on Aprilia and Ducati in MotoGP

Aprilia’s involvement in MotoGP has been marked by periods of varying success. The Italian manufacturer officially returned to MotoGP as a factory team in 2015, after a previous stint in the premier class. Since then, Aprilia has steadily invested in its MotoGP program, developing its RS-GP bike and attracting experienced personnel to its technical and management teams. The team’s recent progress reflects the culmination of these efforts, with the RS-GP demonstrating improved performance in terms of power, handling, and aerodynamics.

Ducati, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in MotoGP in recent years. The Italian manufacturer has consistently produced competitive machinery, and its Desmosedici bike has become the benchmark in terms of outright speed and acceleration. Ducati’s success has been underpinned by its extensive use of aerodynamic innovations and its strong rider lineup, which has included riders such as Francesco Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini, and Jorge Martin.

Key Factors in Aprilia’s Progress

Several factors have contributed to Aprilia’s recent resurgence in MotoGP. One key element has been the continuous development of the RS-GP bike. Aprilia’s engineers have focused on improving the bike’s engine performance, chassis balance, and aerodynamic efficiency. These efforts have resulted in a machine that is more competitive across a wider range of circuits.

Another crucial factor has been the arrival of experienced personnel within the Aprilia team. The appointment of Fabiano Sterlacchini, a highly regarded engineer with a proven track record in MotoGP, has provided a boost to the team’s technical capabilities. Sterlacchini’s expertise and enthusiasm have helped to further accelerate the development of the RS-GP.

Furthermore, Aprilia’s rider lineup has played a significant role in the team’s success. Aleix Espargaró, a veteran MotoGP rider, has consistently delivered strong performances for Aprilia, providing valuable feedback and contributing to the development of the RS-GP. The addition of Maverick Viñales to the team has also strengthened Aprilia’s rider lineup, giving them two riders capable of challenging for podium finishes and race wins.

Challenges for Aprilia

Despite its recent progress, Aprilia still faces significant challenges in its quest to dethrone Ducati. Ducati’s Desmosedici bike remains the benchmark in MotoGP, and the Italian manufacturer possesses a wealth of technical expertise and resources. To overcome this challenge, Aprilia will need to continue to develop its RS-GP bike and close the performance gap to Ducati.

Another challenge for Aprilia is to maintain consistency throughout the season. While the team has demonstrated the ability to win races and challenge for podium finishes, it has also experienced periods of inconsistency. To mount a serious title challenge, Aprilia will need to minimize these fluctuations and consistently deliver strong performances at every race.

The Impact of Regulation Changes

The upcoming regulation changes in 2027 could have a significant impact on the competitive balance in MotoGP. New engine regulations, aerodynamic restrictions, and other technical changes could level the playing field, giving manufacturers such as Aprilia an opportunity to close the gap to Ducati.

However, regulation changes also present challenges. Manufacturers will need to invest significant resources in developing new machinery that complies with the new regulations. This investment could strain resources and potentially divert attention from ongoing development efforts.

Trackhouse Racing’s Role

Trackhouse Racing, Aprilia’s satellite team, plays a crucial role in the Italian manufacturer’s MotoGP program. As a satellite team, Trackhouse Racing provides Aprilia with valuable data and feedback, helping to accelerate the development of the RS-GP bike. Trackhouse Racing also provides opportunities for young riders to gain experience in MotoGP, potentially unearthing future stars.

Davide Brivio’s leadership is also a key factor. Brivio, who has previously managed successful MotoGP teams, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Trackhouse Racing. His guidance and management skills are essential to the team’s success.

Conclusion

Aprilia’s recent progress in MotoGP has raised hopes that the Italian manufacturer could challenge Ducati’s dominance in the coming years. With continued development of the RS-GP bike, the addition of experienced personnel, and a strong rider lineup, Aprilia has the potential to close the gap to Ducati and compete for race wins and championships. The upcoming regulation changes in 2027 could further level the playing field, giving Aprilia an even greater opportunity to dethrone Ducati. However, the challenge remains significant, and Aprilia will need to overcome numerous obstacles to achieve its goal.

The MotoGP landscape is poised for potential shifts, and the coming seasons promise intense competition as manufacturers vie for supremacy in the premier class of motorcycle racing. The outcome of this battle will depend on a combination of factors, including technical innovation, rider skill, and strategic decision-making.