While some advance masked, Aprilia has decided to attack openly. In Noale, the 2027 MotoGP revolution is no longer an abstraction of design office: the 850cc engine is already running, and the first complete motorcycle is preparing to see the track at the beginning of spring. An aggressive, deliberate, and almost provocative calendar in a paddock where not everyone seems ready to come out of the woodwork.
Fabiano Sterlacchini, technical director ofaprilia-racing, does not seek to minimize the scale of the project. On the contrary, he fully embraces it: The word "challenge" is entirely appropriate! But we are perfectly prepared. " he said at the team launch.
The 850cc engine, the heart of the 2027 regulations, is already operational on the test bench, and not just for show: the 850cc engine is running on the test benchlet's say in "test mode" to verify its reliability, confirm all points and also begin part of the development »
At ApriliaWe are not talking about a simple technology demonstrator, but a project that is already well advanced.
The Aprilia prototype already exists: We are rather confident, rather optimistic. »
And contrary to some cautious rumors coming from other manufacturers, the motorcycle is already here: Basically, we think the first prototype will be put into production around the beginning of spring »
He adds : " The first prototype is already finished, but it is in the testing phase. We are quite confident, quite optimistics." Aprilia She is not discovering the 2027 MotoGP regulations, she is anticipating them.
On the competition side, KTM was the first manufacturer to run an 850cc prototype as early as December. Honda followed a few weeks later.
Et Ducati ? Yamaha Still nothing happening. This wait-and-see approach raises questions, especially when… Aprilia is coming off a season where it finished second in constructors, just behind Ducati.
Massimo rivola, CEO ofAprilia RacingHe makes no secret of his optimism, nor of his very political interpretation of the context: I think that's an advantageIn reality, for us »
According to him, the key is not only technical, but cultural: I think that in generalItalian companies, and I can certainly speak for Noale, are extremely successful.Therefore, I see no reason why our 2027 motorcycle shouldn't be very competitive. »
A barely veiled message aimed at the heavier, more structured giants… but sometimes less quick to pivot.
For RivolaThe engine and the motorcycle are not the major unknown. The real trap lies elsewhere: The big question mark may not concern the motorcycle or the engine.But the Pirelli tires are undoubtedly the most difficult aspect.. »
A lucid admission, in a MotoGP that is about to change tire suppliers, and therefore overturn all acquired certainties.
Corn (Mais) Rivola he can still see on crash.net a window of opportunity: " If a company knows it can fight for podium finishes in every race, it can also have a good 2027 season. I therefore see this more as a good opportunity than a problem. »
The technical director echoes this sentiment, with a statement that sounds like a manifesto: We must leverage each company's strengths. I completely agree with Massimo that European culture in general is more reactive, particularly Italian companies. »
And especially : « We believe we can manage the confusion and disorder because we are extremely responsive.I believe it's more of an opportunity than a problem. »
In a MotoGP season that is about to enter a period of regulatory turbulence, Aprilia bets on its ability to navigate through chaos.
However, Aprilia has not yet signed any riders for the 850cc era. But from what we hear Rivola et SterlacchiniThe priority is elsewhere: having a motorcycle ready before selling the dream.
In a paddock where Ducati et Yamaha They haven't released their 850cc model yet. Aprilia sends a clear message: for Sterlacchini et Rivola, the "reactive" structure of an Italian company like Aprilia This is a major advantage for navigating the regulatory "mess." They believe they can shift their resources more quickly than the Japanese giants once the development of the 2026 motorcycle is finalized in April. However, the 2027 revolution won't be won in press releases, but on the track. And in Noale, that track is approaching. Very quickly.
