Aprilia Racing has revealed its 2026 MotoGP challenger, the RS-GP26, continuing with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín for a second season as the factory team pushes toward the end of the current technical era. While the updated livery adds visual freshness, Aprilia says the real progress lies beneath the bodywork.
According to the factory, every major area of the RS-GP has been refined, with the RS-GP26 positioned as the most advanced and fastest prototype Aprilia has produced so far. The bike is designed to extract maximum performance before the 2027 regulation changes, which will phase out 1000cc engines and today’s extreme aerodynamic solutions.
Power comes from a 1000cc, 90-degree V4 engine featuring an 81mm bore, pneumatic valve actuation and a dry-sump lubrication system. Aprilia claims peak output exceeds 280bhp, with the engine revving beyond 17,500rpm. Drive is sent through a six-speed seamless gearbox, engineered to minimise torque interruption during full-throttle upshifts.
The electronics package is built around the Magneti Marelli BAZ340 ECU, running MotoGP’s unified software. While tightly regulated, the system still allows teams a limited scope for fine-tuning and calibration to suit rider preference and circuit demands.
Exhaust duties are handled by a titanium SC-Project system, which features an exhaust valve designed to enhance stability during braking. This highlights Aprilia’s focus on corner entry behaviour, not just acceleration on exit. Supporting systems include a high-flow racing air filter, a carbon clutch and racing-spec radiators supplied by PWR, all aimed at maintaining consistent performance over race distance.
The RS-GP26 uses an aluminium alloy frame paired with a carbon fibre swingarm, balancing rigidity, weight reduction and rear-end traction. Suspension is handled by Öhlins components front and rear, complemented by an adjustable Öhlins steering damper. Aprilia also employs its rear ride-height device, known internally as the “BSB” system, which forms part of the launch and corner-exit technology now central to MotoGP performance.
Rolling stock comes in the form of forged magnesium Marchesini wheels with a five-spoke Y-design, wrapped in Michelin control tyres. Braking hardware is supplied by Brembo, with GP4 finned monoblock callipers up front, radially mounted and fitted with four titanium pistons gripping twin carbon discs ranging from 340mm to 355mm. At the rear, a Brembo aluminium calliper works with a 218mm steel disc, optimised for stability and modulation rather than outright stopping force.
With a stated weight of 157kg, the RS-GP26 sits right on MotoGP’s minimum limit, underlining Aprilia’s focus on efficiency as much as outright power. As the current ruleset enters its final phase, the RS-GP26 stands as Aprilia Racing’s most aggressive push yet at the front of the MotoGP grid.
