Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP has been short of some genuine rivalry in recent years, but the battle between Italy’s two constructors may put an end to that this season.
Just a few weeks ago, Jorge Lorenzo highlighted how MotoGP no longer has much rivalry compared to his days as an active rider.
Fans were treated to explosive battles between Lorenzo and Valentino Rossi, and the bad blood that The Doctor shares with Marc Marquez produced some of the most notorious moments in premier class history.
However, with Aprilia emerging as a genuine contender to Ducati’s MotoGP crown, we may have something on our hands in 2026. The war of words in the media has already begun.
- READ MORE: Max Biaggi says Aprilia have ‘no weaknesses’ anymore in stark warning to Ducati and Marc Marquez
Do you agree with Jorge Lorenzo’s take on modern MotoGP?
Claudio Domenicali responds to Max Biaggi’s claim that Ducati isn’t an Italian brand
During an interview ahead of the first bike launch of the 2026 MotoGP season, Aprilia ambassador Max Biaggi had some fiery words for Ducati as the Noale-based outfit looks to finally dethrone their Borgo Panigale counterparts this year.
The four-time 250cc world champion said, via Autosport, “I’ve been in this role for the last almost 10 years, and it’s a big privilege for me to be affiliated with this manufacturer.
The only Italian manufacturer here in this paddock because we know Ducati is German by Audi [ownership]. At the end of the day, we are the only ones [that are Italian].”
At Ducati’s season-launch event at Madonna di Campiglio, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali made sure to reiterate the fact that the constructor’s core is very much still Italian, despite the overseas investment.
He told journalists, via Speedweek, “Of course, Max knows Ducati very well, and I would say this conversation would be perfectly appropriate in a bar.
“I have been CEO of Ducati since 2013, and I hold an Italian passport – and 99.97% of the people at the factory in Borgo Panigale are Italian. Everyone should draw their own conclusions.”
Finish the sentence: Aprilia will win ___ Grands Prix in 2026
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The Ducati vs Aprilia rivalry has been heating up during MotoGP’s season launches
Domenicali’s comments are just the latest in a string of back-and-forths that have occurred between the leadership figures at both Aprilia and Ducati.
During Aprilia’s launch event, team boss Massimo Rivola gave his two cents on the current dilemma that is gripping Borgo Panigale’s position in the MotoGP rider market.
Asked if he truly believes Pedro Acosta will be a Ducati rider in 2027, Rivola called it a ‘match made in heaven’, referencing the line-up that would consist of the young Murcian alongside Marquez.
The words found their way to Ducati chief Luigi Dall’Igna, who fired back that he will let his Italian rivals make whatever considerations that they want over Borgo Panigale’s business.
If Aprilia are able to take the fight to Ducati during the upcoming campaign, it should be a very interesting season for those watching, indeed.
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