Marco Bezzecchi's victory at the Portuguese Grand Prix confirmed what many suspected: the Aprilia RS-GP has become a formidable weapon, capable of competing with the Ducati. On the eve of 2026, Massimo Rivola, CEO of Aprilia Racing, no longer hides his ambitions—nor his pride.
Three Grand Prix victories, a second place in the constructors' championship, and a third place in the drivers' championship with Bezzecchi : the Noale brand is having its best season in MotoGP history.
À Portimão, Bezzecchi has outclassed Alex Marquez (Gresini Ducati), while the best Ducati The official result was no better than eighth place. A performance that gave the entire paddock pause for thought.
When questioned by TNT Sport, Massimo rivola He summed up the situation bluntly:
« I think we're getting better and better. I think fast circuits remain our strong point, perhaps because, From an aerodynamic point of view, we are the benchmark »
According to him, the key to success ofAprilia lies in the mastery of aerodynamic downforce, which has become a decisive factor in the overall performance of a modern MotoGP bike:
« So, the faster you go, the more aerodynamic downforce you create. That might be a factor. »
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia: " I think Ducati is still the best motorcycle »
Rivola However, he refuses to let himself be carried away by the euphoria:
« I don't think we're the benchmark right now. I think Ducati is still the best motorcycle. »
But he points out that the gap between manufacturers has never been so small:
« I always see Pedro Acosta there with the KTM. So, if I look at it, all five manufacturers, honestly, have done a good job, because the gap between them is really small »
In a championship where technology is becoming standardized, Rivola highlights the human factor:
« The human factor – and this is what interests us – has therefore become increasingly important. The relationship between the team and Marco is now excellent. »
Despite this rise in power ofApriliaDucati continues to dominate the MotoGPIn 2025, the Borgo Panigale firm never failed to win either a sprint race or a Grand Prix, and scored less than 30 points only twice in the 21 rounds contested.
But the signals are clear: the gap is narrowing, and Aprilia asserts itself as the main threat to red supremacy. If the Ducati what remains is the beating machine, theAprilia RS-GP took the crown of aerodynamics, and with it, a strategic advantage that Rivola intends to exploit it.
