Here is the thing about the 2026 MotoGP season: Aprilia has built an absolute weapon of a machine. As Motorsport.com reports, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola is under no illusions about the scale of the fight ahead, calling the battle against Ducati rival Marc Marquez the "most difficult task we could have." That is high praise, but it is entirely earned.
Ducati has ruled the roost for the last four seasons, but the Noale-based manufacturer has taken a massive leap forward this year with the RS-GP. Between the factory squad and the satellite Trackhouse operation, they have taken seven grand prix wins across the 16 races held so far. That matches their entire combined win total from the previous three campaigns.
Yet, even with arguably the most versatile bike on the grid, Ducati sits level on points in the manufacturers' standings ahead of this weekend's Indonesian GP. That resilience is largely thanks to the factory bike rider winning six of the last nine grands prix. Rivola knows what they are up against, describing the combination as the best possible partnership we have seen in many years.
The championship picture itself is deliciously chaotic. Aprilia has two contenders right in the thick of the fight with six rounds remaining, as Jorge Martin holds a narrow two-point lead over Marquez, while Marco Bezzecchi sits 49 points back in third place. Ducati, by contrast, is putting all its weight squarely behind Marquez as their clear leader at the Borgo Panigale marque.
Having two riders fighting for the crown could mean they take points off each other, but Rivola sees it as a pure satisfaction and a strong message for the future. Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna, speaking alongside him at a special conference at Mandalika on Thursday, agreed that having multiple riders at the sharp end is always a positive. Whether Aprilia can maintain this charge all the way to the end remains to be seen, but the machine is finally there to do the job.
