The conclusion of the MotoGP season at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia featured a significant victory for Marco Bezzecchi, underscoring a transformative year for Aprilia Racing. This season reflects the team’s evolution, culminating in their most successful performance to date.
Marco Bezzecchi emerged as a pivotal figure throughout the season. Transitioning to the Aprilia RS-GP25, he began with a period of adaptation. A crucial turning point occurred during the Jerez tests, where he developed a strong connection with the bike. This relationship established him as a formidable contender within the championship. Bezzecchi secured three victories in long races at Silverstone, Portimão, and Valencia, alongside three sprint race wins in Misano, Mandalika, and Phillip Island. His remarkable season concluded with a total of 15 podium finishes and five pole positions, placing him third in the championship and accumulating 353 points—the highest ever for an Aprilia Racing rider in MotoGP history.
The evidence
Jorge Martín’s season was significantly affected by injuries, which began with incidents during the Sepang tests and continued through various training mishaps. After a hiatus of over six weeks, he returned in Valencia, aiming to familiarize himself once again with the RS-GP25. Fortunately, the tests produced positive results, offering hope for his future performance.
Role of the test riders
Lorenzo Savadori served as an essential test rider, filling in for Martín during his absence. His contributions were vital for the ongoing development and refinement of the RS-GP25, establishing a competitive edge for Aprilia Racing in MotoGP. Although much of his work occurred behind the scenes, its impact was significant.
The Trackhouse MotoGP Team, featuring riders Raúl Fernández and Ai Ogura, also played a crucial role in Aprilia’s success. Ogura’s debut season in MotoGP showed consistent improvement, while Fernández enjoyed a breakout year. His podium finish in the Mandalika sprint race marked a milestone, followed by a second-place finish in Phillip Island, contributing to Aprilia Racing’s 300th victory in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship.
Milestones and future aspirations
Aprilia Racing’s achievements reflect their robust technical design and the collective efforts of the team based in Noale. The season concluded with a commendable second-place finish in the Manufacturers Championship, amassing 418 points, a significant milestone for their MotoGP initiative. A highlight of the season was Raúl Fernández’s victory during the Australian Grand Prix, celebrating Aprilia Racing’s 300th win in the FIM Grand Prix World Championship—an accomplishment that solidified their status as the most successful European manufacturer in the sport’s history.
Massimo Rivola, the team’s managing director, summarized the season’s dual aspects of challenges and growth. He acknowledged Martín’s injuries while celebrating Bezzecchi’s remarkable progress throughout the year. Rivola expressed optimism for the upcoming season, stating their ambition to contend for the title. He recognized the collaborative efforts of the Trackhouse MotoGP Team in advancing Aprilia’s technical capabilities.
Looking ahead
As Aprilia Racing prepares for the next season, anticipation is high. Rivola’s enthusiasm for testing the new RS-GP26 reflects his belief in its potential to secure victories from the outset. The groundwork laid during the current season positions them favorably to challenge competitors and continue their legacy in MotoGP.