Aprilia Racing has officially taken the wraps off its new MotoGP contender, the RS-GP26, ahead of the 2026 season. The unveiling marks another important chapter for the Italian manufacturer, which has steadily grown into one of the most competitive forces on the grid over the last few years.
The RS-GP26 arrives as the final evolution of Aprilia’s current-generation MotoGP prototype, with 2026 set to be the last season before the championship undergoes a major technical overhaul in 2027. With that context, the new bike carries significant expectations, both within the team and across the paddock.
What’s New on the RS-GP26
A Refined Look with Deeper Meaning
At a glance, the RS-GP26 retains Aprilia Racing’s familiar colours, but the 2026 machine introduces a key visual update. A lion emblem now features prominently on the bike, symbolising strength, resilience, and the fighting spirit of the Noale-based manufacturer. The emblem draws inspiration from regional heritage and reflects Aprilia’s determination to continue challenging MotoGP’s most established brands.
While the overall design remains recognisable, the updated identity signals confidence and continuity rather than a dramatic shift in direction.
Built on Aprilia’s Strongest MotoGP Season
The RS-GP26 is rooted in the success of Aprilia’s 2025 MotoGP campaign, which was the most accomplished season in the company’s history. The factory team finished second in the Constructors’ Championship, crossing the 400-point mark for the first time and regularly fighting at the front of the field.
Aprilia riders delivered consistent results throughout the season, including multiple podium finishes, sprint race victories, and Grand Prix wins. The campaign also saw Aprilia reach a historic milestone by surpassing 300 victories across its racing programmes, underlining the momentum behind the MotoGP project.
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Evolution Rather Than Revolution
Technically, the RS-GP26 is described as a step forward rather than a complete redesign. Aprilia has continued refining its proven MotoGP platform, focusing on areas where development is still permitted under the regulations. Improvements have been targeted at aerodynamics, chassis balance, electronics, and engine management to enhance race consistency and adaptability across different circuits.
The bike remains powered by Aprilia’s V4 engine, which has matured into one of the most competitive units on the grid. Engineers have worked to improve rideability and tyre management, key factors in modern MotoGP racing, particularly over longer race distances.
The Importance of the 2026 Season
The 2026 MotoGP season holds special significance as the final year before the introduction of new technical rules in 2027. With smaller engines and revised regulations on the horizon, the RS-GP26 represents the most developed version of Aprilia’s current concept.
Aprilia has made it clear that the goal is to extract maximum performance from this platform before attention fully shifts to the next era of MotoGP machinery. The RS-GP26 is expected to benefit from years of accumulated data, making it the most complete Aprilia MotoGP bike to date.
Rider Line-up and Team Continuity
Aprilia Racing will field Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín in the factory team for 2026. Both riders bring proven race-winning ability and strong technical feedback, which continues to play a crucial role in development.
In addition, Aprilia’s partnership with the Trackhouse MotoGP Team remains intact, providing valuable additional data through satellite entries. This expanded presence on the grid allows Aprilia to test solutions across a wider range of conditions and race scenarios.
Looking Ahead
With the RS-GP26, Aprilia enters the 2026 MotoGP season with confidence built on recent success, technical stability, and a clear long-term vision. The new bike is not just a seasonal update, but a statement of intent as the manufacturer prepares for the final push under the current regulations.
As MotoGP moves closer to a new technical era, the RS-GP26 stands as Aprilia’s strongest bid yet to cement itself as a consistent title contender in the sport’s premier class.
What is the Aprilia RS-GP26?
The Aprilia RS-GP26 is Aprilia Racing’s official MotoGP prototype developed for the 2026 season. It represents the latest evolution of the brand’s current MotoGP machine.
When was the Aprilia RS-GP26 unveiled?
Aprilia officially unveiled the RS-GP26 ahead of the 2026 MotoGP season, continuing its preparations for the final year of the current MotoGP technical regulations.
What is new on the RS-GP26 compared to the previous bike?
The RS-GP26 features refinements across multiple areas, including aerodynamics, chassis setup, electronics, and engine management. Visually, it also introduces a new lion emblem reflecting Aprilia’s heritage.
Who will ride the Aprilia RS-GP26 in MotoGP 2026?
The factory Aprilia Racing team will field Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín for the 2026 MotoGP season.
Why is the 2026 MotoGP season important for Aprilia?
The 2026 season is the final year before major MotoGP regulation changes in 2027. This makes the RS-GP26 the most developed version of Aprilia’s current MotoGP concept.
