The first Aprilia rider for the 2027 World Sportbike Championship has been confirmed

The Sportbike World Championship regulations stipulate a maximum engine power of 90 PS. With 95 PS in its standard specification, the Aprilia RS660 is very close to this figure and requires only minimal restriction. The engineers in Noale tuned the chassis and suspension for sporting use. It came as a surprise that, in the entry-level series’ debut season, this motorbike was fielded only by the Revo M2 and MMR teams.

Aprilia’s star rider this year was Matteo Vannucci. The Italian secured the RS660’s first podium finish with a second place at Assen (Race 2) and its first victory in the Sportbike World Championship at Most (Race 1). The only other top-three finish came from wildcard rider Filippo Bianchi at Misano.

Vannucci finished the season in seventh place in the World Championship, having recorded a series of very mixed results. The Revo team is banking on the 23-year-old being more consistent next year, having gained a year’s experience, and has confirmed him for 2027.

“I’m honoured to have been confirmed for the next Sportbike World Championship – I can’t wait for the new season,” said a delighted Vannucci. “I like the Aprilia and I’ve built up a great relationship with the mechanics and the whole Revo M2 team: it’s like a family, but absolutely professional. I was extremely impressed by the professionalism of the technicians, by Mirco, my mechanic – in short, by everyone. Fantastic!”