Aprilia's MotoGP Rise: From Underdog to Consistent Frontrunner
In a sport where dominance is fleeting, Aprilia has defied the odds. In a MotoGP season where Marc Marquez and Ducati have been the standout performers, Aprilia has emerged as a formidable force, pushing the red bikes to their limits. But here's where it gets intriguing: it's been nearly 30 months since any manufacturer other than Ducati or Aprilia has won a dry-weather race, sprint or grand prix.
In recent years, Aprilia has been the sole challenger to Ducati's MotoGP supremacy, but 2025 has seen the Noale factory take a significant leap forward, addressing its previous inconsistency. The team's performance has been on an upward trajectory, as evidenced by the following stats:
| Year | GP Wins | Sprint Wins | GP Podiums | Points | Standings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* | 1 | 1 | 6 | 308 | 2nd |
| 2024 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 302 | 3rd |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 326 | 3rd |
*Season ongoing
The RS-GP's peak performance was once so high that it was nearly unbeatable on certain circuits, but its narrow performance window was a weakness. This is reminiscent of Ducati's situation in the late 2010s, when their bike excelled on straights but struggled in corners. And this is the part most people miss: Aprilia has evolved the RS-GP into a versatile prototype, capable of competing across all circuit types.
"The Aprilia used to be quick on flowing parts, but now it's more competitive at stop/go tracks too," said CEO Massimo Rivola. This transformation is a result of leadership changes, with Gigi Dall'Igna's former right-hand man, Fabiano Sterlacchini, joining as technical director in 2024. Under his guidance, Aprilia has achieved podium finishes in six of the last nine grands prix and resolved long-standing issues, such as overheating in high-temperature Asian tracks.
Sterlacchini attributes Aprilia's progress to a combination of technique and motivation. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief in achieving success, stating, "Consistency is the first law." This newfound consistency has been invaluable, especially with rider injuries affecting the team's lineup. Aprilia has relied on Marco Bezzecchi, who led the team to victory in the British Grand Prix and nearly repeated the feat in Indonesia.
However, the trade-off for a more versatile bike has been a slight loss of its previous strengths on tracks like Barcelona. In 2023, Aprilia dominated the Catalan GP, but in 2024, it lost some of that edge. Sterlacchini attributes this to the competition catching up faster, stating that performance is relative. He believes Ducati focused on Barcelona after Aprilia's 2023 performance, conducting several tests there.
Despite this, Aprilia's overall trend is upward. It is now competing for a historic second place in the constructors' championship, with KTM as its chief rival. Sterlacchini sets a reasonable target, aiming for a top-five finish in the riders' championship and winning the fight with KTM. He acknowledges some setbacks but remains confident, especially after recovering points in the manufacturers' championship.
As Aprilia continues to fine-tune its rider lineup, it could become a serious threat to Ducati's dominance next season. But the question remains: can Aprilia maintain its momentum and challenge for the top spot? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
