Here’s a bold claim that might ruffle some feathers: Aprilia is positioning itself as the new benchmark for MotoGP aerodynamics, directly challenging Ducati’s long-standing dominance. But here’s where it gets controversial—Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola believes the RS-GP is now the reference bike for aerodynamic performance, especially after its commanding win in Portugal. Is he right, or is this just bold talk? Let’s dive in.
The Noale-based brand is capping off its most successful MotoGP season to date, with three Grand Prix victories, a runner-up spot in the manufacturers’ standings, and Marco Bezzecchi poised to secure third place in the riders’ championship. And this is the part most people miss—while Ducati has long been the team to beat, Aprilia’s RS-GP is emerging as a legitimate threat heading into 2026. Bezzecchi’s dominant performance at the Portuguese Grand Prix, where he outpaced Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez, underscores this shift. Meanwhile, the highest-placed factory Ducati finished a distant eighth—a rare sight for the Italian powerhouse.
In an interview with TNT Sport, Rivola doubled down on his claim, stating that Aprilia’s aerodynamic advancements have set a new standard in the grid. Yet, he acknowledges Ducati still holds the title of the ‘best overall bike.’ Here’s the kicker—Rivola insists the gap between the two brands is now razor-thin. ‘We’re getting better and better,’ he said. ‘Fast tracks remain our stronghold, possibly because aerodynamically, we’ve become the benchmark. The faster you go, the more downforce you generate, and that’s a game-changer.’
But is Aprilia truly ready to dethrone Ducati? While Rivola admits Ducati remains the bike to beat, he highlights the shrinking performance gap across all five manufacturers. ‘The human factor is now more critical than ever,’ he noted, pointing to the seamless chemistry between the Aprilia team and Bezzecchi as a key advantage.
Ducati, however, isn’t backing down. In 2025, they’ve maintained their dominance, scoring over 30 points in 19 out of 21 rounds and securing a win in every sprint or Grand Prix except one. Here’s the question that’ll spark debate—is Aprilia’s rise a temporary surge, or are we witnessing a permanent shift in MotoGP’s power dynamics? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Aprilia can truly overtake Ducati, or is this just wishful thinking?
For context, Lewis, a seasoned journalist with five years of MotoGP coverage under his belt, joined the Crash.net team in August 2024, bringing his expertise to this evolving narrative. As the battle between Aprilia and Ducati heats up, one thing’s for sure: the next few seasons will be nothing short of thrilling.
