Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia put Ducati under serious pressure at the end of the 2025 season, and many people are backing them to be a title contender in 2026.
The Noale outfit looked lost at the start of 2025, with new signing and defending champion Jorge Martin struggling with injury and Marco Bezzecchi stuck in the midfield. But after the Italian won at Silverstone, Aprilia looked to have turned a corner.
While Martin continued to struggle on the sidelines, his teammate made strong gains with development for the RS-GP. After the summer break, Bezzecchi was arguably Marc Marquez’s strongest challenger at the front.
A Marc Marquez beater?
Following Marquez’s crash with Bezzecchi in Indonesia, which the Italian apologised for, he found himself in a position to dominate races. He won the final two races in Portugal and Valencia, with no Ducati rider able to get near him.
It left Aprilia optimistic about their chances for 2026. Massimo Rivola believes that Bezzecchi can fight for the title next season, and Ducati know the threat that they pose.
Fermin Aldeguer says Aprilia have ‘proven’ that they can beat Ducati in 2026
Speaking with Marca, Gresini rider Fermin Aldeguer was asked about what chances Aprilia had of beating Ducati in 2026. He admitted that the Noale outfit have ‘proven’ that they can take the fight to their rivals, and will do it again next season.
“This year they’ve proven it, and I think next year will be the same,” said Aldeguer. “Right now they have two top riders in the category: Bezzecchi, who has adapted very well to the bike and has improved a lot throughout the season; he started well, but finished at a very high level.
“Both he and the bike have been developing. And Jorge… we can’t forget him, he won the World Championship a year ago, he’s had a bad year, but he’s one of the candidates to be, at least, fighting for podiums, wins, top 5 finishes, and he’ll be joining the party.
“Aprilia, also with Raúl Fernández, who has taken another step forward, and Ogura, will be ones to watch.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Aprilia from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
Do Aprilia have the tools to dethrone Ducati in 2026?
Bezzecchi’s stock has significantly risen at Aprilia, and he has proven that he can battle with Marquez and the Ducatis. With Martin still to return from injury, the team certainly have the riders to compete in 2026.
It is not just the factory team that boasts a strong line-up, with Trackhouse also having riders capable of fighting Ducati. Raul Fernandez claimed his first MotoGP win in Australia and is growing his confidence, while Ai Ogura showed his potential in his rookie season.
Fabio Sterlacchini says Aprilia need an all-round bike to beat Marquez in 2026. They have certainly taken steps forward to do that, even if Ducati disapprove of their work behind the scenes.
Aprilia’s leg wings won’t be banned until 2027 amid Ducati’s protests. The rule change could have thrown them, and Honda, who have also developed the part, off course ahead of testing in January.
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