Aprilia Racing has officially launched its 2026 MotoGP campaign with the unveiling of the RS-GP26, which will be ridden by Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin for the second consecutive season.
The Italian manufacturer presented the new machine at Sky Studios in Milan, revealing a refreshed livery that incorporates the Leone Alato – the winged lion symbol of Venice – alongside Aprilia Racing’s traditional colours.
The RS-GP26 represents an evolution of Aprilia’s MotoGP project, with improvements across aerodynamics, chassis architecture, electronics and the V4 engine. Technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini and his team developed components across all areas not restricted by championship regulations.
The bike will also mark the final iteration of current technical regulations, which permit extreme aerodynamics, ride height devices and 1000cc engines. From 2027, these will no longer be allowed under new technical rules. According to Aprilia, the RS-GP26 will be the fastest prototype the manufacturer has ever built.
The 2026 season follows Aprilia Racing’s most successful campaign to date in 2025, which saw the team finish second in the Manufacturers Championship with 418 points – breaking the 400-point barrier for the first time. Bezzecchi claimed third in the Riders Championship with 353 points, the best result for an Aprilia rider in the premier class.
Last season’s achievements included 19 podiums, seven race wins across sprint and full-distance events, five pole positions, and the manufacturer’s 300th Grand Prix victory at Phillip Island. Aprilia now holds the record as the most victorious European manufacturer in Grand Prix racing history with 302 wins.
Bezzecchi enters 2026 aiming to build on his career-best season, while Martin – who will run number 89 – looks to bounce back from an injury-affected 2025 campaign.
Lorenzo Savadori continues as test rider, with the Trackhouse Racing team of Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura providing additional development support as a strategic partner.
“We’re tackling the 2026 season well aware of what we are and where we want to be,” said Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola. “We are coming from a solid 2025 which allowed us to reach an extremely high level of competitiveness, and the goal now is to battle in every race.”
The 2026 MotoGP season begins with pre-season testing in February ahead of the opening round in Thailand on March 2.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
The post Aprilia Racing unveils RS-GP26 for 2026 MotoGP season appeared first on INFO MOTO.
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