Aprilia is determined to snatch the title from Ducati: “We’re working eight days a week!”

Aprilia is once again demonstrating at the MotoGP weekend in Aragon that development of the current RS-GP is far from complete. Having already introduced a minor aerodynamic update at the previous event in Silverstone, the Noale-based manufacturer unveiled new parts again on Friday morning in Spain.

This time, the work focused on the rear section of the RS-GP, where new aero elements were visible. “There are a few things we’re testing here,” confirmed Aprilia team manager Paolo Bonora to MotoGP.com, referring to the changes at the rear. “We want to further optimise the bike’s handling stability.”

Aprilia remains the only manufacturer to continue supplying new parts for the 1000cc bikes

It is noteworthy that Aprilia is continuing to introduce new parts for the current 1000cc bike even in the second half of the season. After all, work has long been underway on the completely new 850cc machine for the MotoGP regulations coming into force from 2027. Whilst the four other manufacturers are already fully focused on their 2027 projects, Aprilia is driving two programmes forward in parallel.

The reason for this is obvious: in Noale, they are well aware of just how big an opportunity the current RS-GP presents. In the riders’ standings, three Aprilia riders are currently ahead of defending champion Marc Márquez. Most recently at Silverstone, the Aprilia put in a particularly strong performance. However, Bonora does not expect this balance of power to carry over automatically to Aragon.

Am Heck sah man am Freitag unterschiedliche Konfigurationen

Foto: Gold & Goose

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“We knew that the layout at Silverstone, with its fast corners, suited us. But here in Aragon, we’ve struggled a bit in the past,” the Italian admitted. At the same time, he highlighted the progress made in recent months: “We’ve worked on the known weaknesses and improved the bike – especially in the tight corners.”

A balancing act: Is Aprilia neglecting the 850cc development?

Aprilia thus faces a balancing act. On the one hand, the manufacturer does not want to let the opportunity with the current RS-GP slip by unused. On the other hand, the intensive further development of the 1000cc model must not come at the expense of the 850cc project, which is crucial for the future.

Bonora assures us that Aprilia is pursuing both tasks with maximum commitment. “We realise that we have an opportunity. And we don’t want to let this opportunity slip away. Our motorbike is certainly very good. But our rivals are also performing at a very high level,” he commented with regard to the current season.

Aprilia testete im FP1 neue Aero-Entwicklungen am Heck

Foto: Gold & Goose

That is why it is out of the question for Aprilia to halt development of the current machine prematurely. “We must continue to improve from race to race, even though there is already a new project underway with the 850,” emphasised Bonora. “So there are two projects. We have to drive both projects forward at the highest possible level at the same time. It’s a really demanding job, but we know our potential.”

The team manager summed up just how much of a strain this places on the racing department in Noale with a wink: “We’re working eight days a week and 25 hours a day. It’s tough, but we know it’s necessary.”

The new aero elements at Aragon are visible proof of this approach. Whilst the future with the 850cc bike has long been taking shape, Aprilia is not prepared to write off the present prematurely.