Aprilia has officially presented its new MotoGP bike, the RS-GP26, in Milan at Sky Italy’s headquarters. The bike is very special because it is the last Aprilia will build using the current 1000cc engine rules.

The RS-GP26 keeps Aprilia’s famous black colour scheme and shows a cleaner, sharper design. Aprilia says every part of the bike has been improved, including the aerodynamics, the chassis and the electronics. The V4 engine has also been developed in areas that are still allowed under the MotoGP engine freeze rules introduced in 2025.

Aprilia comes into 2026 full of confidence after the best season in MotoGP history. For the first time since joining the championship in 2015, the team finished second in the manufacturers’ standings, behind only Ducati. Under technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini, the team became much stronger, especially in the second half of the season, and achieved four grand prix wins and three sprint race victories.

Marco Bezzecchi played a huge part in those results. After joining Aprilia from VR46 Ducati, he quickly became one of the team’s leaders. His first win with Aprilia came at the British Grand Prix, and he ended the season with two more victories in Portugal and Valencia. These results helped him finish third in the riders’ championship, behind Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez.

Bezzecchi said he is very excited to start the new season and feels the team is working harder than ever. He explained that the factory in Noale has never stopped developing the bike and that he is training every day to be ready.

Jorge Martin will begin his second season with Aprilia in 2026. His first year with the team was difficult because he suffered three injuries and struggled to find his best form. He will now stay with Aprilia until the end of his contract and will return to his usual number 89 after using the number 1 last season as world champion.

Martin returned from injury at the final race in Valencia and has spent the winter focusing on recovery and fitness. He said the team knows where it must improve and that his goal is to fight at the front and win again as soon as he is fully fit.

Aprilia also confirmed that Lorenzo Savadori will continue as test rider in 2026. He has been very important in developing the RS-GP and helping the race team improve through constant testing.

With the RS-GP26, Aprilia hopes to take another step forward in MotoGP. The team believes it now has the tools, the riders and the experience to challenge for more victories and possibly even the world championship in the future.