Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia should be happy with the work that Aprilia put in at the Jerez test to beat Ducati in 2026, as their efforts could pay off when he switches teams in 2027.
Aprilia have produced a superb start to the 2026 MotoGP season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin heading the riders’ standings through four rounds. But the Noale brand are not resting on their laurels with the chance to win a championship for the first time up for grabs.
So, Aprilia took full advantage of the first in-season test this term at Jerez on Monday to trial a clutch of updates that they hope will ensure the RS-GP remains the bike to beat. Bezzecchi won the first three Grands Prix of 2026, but Alex Marquez broke his run in Spain last Sunday.
Bagnaia will be paying very close attention to Aprilia’s ability to develop the RS-GP in the last year of the 1,000cc regulations, as he is set to leave Ducati for their Italian rivals in 2027. It is said that Bagnaia has agreed to join Aprilia, after Ducati signed Pedro Acosta to replace him.
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Francesco Bagnaia should take note of Aprilia’s new front aero tested at Jerez ahead of his 2027 switch
It is widely believed that Acosta has agreed to join Ducati in 2027 ahead of his contract with KTM expiring this year. The Bologna Bullets’ decision is also said to have seen Bagnaia agree to join Aprilia on a four-year deal from 2027, which will feature an exit clause for after 2028.
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Changing teams next term may prove to be a stroke of genius or a disastrous mistake, given that MotoGP is also introducing a big regulatory change in 2027. MotoGP is reducing engine capacity to 850cc, banning all ride-height devices and introducing broader aero restrictions.
MotoGP’s aerodynamic restrictions in 2027 are also why Bagnaia should be happy with the work that Aprilia put in at the 2026 Jerez test, though. According to MotoMatters, Aprilia’s riders tested a new front fairing this Monday that might also be legal under the 2027 rules.
Aprilia unveiled a new aerodynamic element at the top of their front fairing that resembles handles on either side of the nose of the RS-GP. It is thought that the Noale outfit’s concept can reduce the drag around their riders, whilst also improving the speed of their 2026 bike.
Additionally, Aprilia’s handle-esque aero concept seems to be within the 550mm maximum width set to be enforced under the 2027 MotoGP regulations, which will reduce the size of aerodynamic elements by 50mm. So, Aprilia might have now stolen a march on their rivals.
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Bezzecchi and Martin also worked on improving Aprilia’s electronics for their 2026 bike, for which Trackhouse stars Ai Ogura and Raul Fernandez also tested a new chassis at Jerez on Monday. But Aprilia’s handle-esque concept should have caught Bagnaia’s eye the most.
Bagnaia is set to step into new territory when he replaces Martin at Aprilia next term, as he has only ever ridden on Ducati machinery since debuting in MotoGP for Pramac in 2019. He joined the Borgo Panigale brand’s factory team in 2021, and won the title in 2022 and 2023.
Also, while Aprilia are showing Bagnaia what they are capable of developing over time with Bezzecchi and Martin sat atop the 2026 riders’ standings after four rounds, he will move to Noale at the start of the 2027 regulations. So, any early gains that Aprilia find may be huge.
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