Aprilia Racing has made a strong statement at the start of the 2026 season, with team boss Massimo Rivola declaring that the team may now have the best bike in MotoGP.
This claim follows an impressive opening phase of the season, where Aprilia has consistently delivered top results. Its riders, including Marco Bezzecchi, have secured race wins and established themselves as early championship contenders. The team’s performances have stood out for their combination of speed, stability, and adaptability across different race conditions.
Rivola’s confidence reflects what appears to be a significant technical step forward. The latest version of the RS-GP has shown improved balance and consistency, allowing riders to maintain strong pace not only over a single lap but across full race distances. This all-round performance has been a key factor in Aprilia’s early success.
Source: BikeSport News
Such a statement is notable given Ducati’s dominance in recent MotoGP seasons. Ducati has long set the benchmark in terms of performance and depth across its teams, but early results in 2026 suggest that Aprilia may now have closed the gap or even moved ahead.
The team’s strong start has also been reflected in the championship standings, where Aprilia riders have regularly been at the front. Their ability to perform consistently has strengthened the belief within the team that this could be a genuine title-contending season.
Despite the optimism, the season remains long and highly competitive. Rivola’s comments underline confidence rather than complacency, as rivals such as Ducati are expected to respond as development continues.
For now, however, Aprilia’s early-season form and technical progress have positioned it as a serious benchmark in MotoGP, raising the possibility of a shift in the competitive order if the momentum can be maintained.
