Aprilia dominant in MotoGP: Ducati riders envy the RS-GP machines

Aprilia is ahead of Ducati in this first part of the MotoGP season. Marco Bezzecchi’s two wins in the last two races of 2025 were a warning, but no one expected such a forceful leap forward from the RS-GP over a single winter. There’s little peace of mind in Borgo Panigale, with Marc Marquez in precarious physical condition and, for now, unable to bridge the technical gap with his talent.

If there were any doubts about Aprilia’s superiority in this ’26 World Championship, the US GP erased them all. The Austin circuit has always been favorable ground for Marc Marquez’s victories, but the nine-time world champion didn’t even make the podium. The only top-3 finish bears the signature of Pecco Bagnaia, but only in Saturday’s MotoGP Sprint. The rider from Chivasso can only admit the reality of the facts: "Aprilia is ahead... and quite a way ahead." The double blow from Bezzecchi and Martin is a true roar of strength from the Veneto brand which, while keeping its feet on the ground, is aiming for its first riders’ title in the MotoGP class.

At the end of the Texas weekend, Ducati riders expressed their resignation with different shades. But all with a common denominator: Aprilia’s rivals are a step ahead in every technical area. "We’ve always been strong in tire management, whereas now we’re limited by the fact that the bike neither brakes nor turns," commented Pecco Bagnaia. "So we have to use the rear tire and it degrades immediately."

Fabio Di Giannantonio, who so far is the best-performing Ducati rider, is enjoying his moment of personal glory, while still acknowledging the superiority of his opponents. "Aprilia and KTM have made a big step. All the difference is up front, because they can brake well and position the bike perfectly to exploit the exit from the corner. We, on the other hand, have to ask a lot from the rear tire and when it wears, it costs us," explained the VR46 rider.

Alex Marquez is also in trouble, the 2025 MotoGP runner-up, but this year struggling badly with the Desmosedici GP26. In the first three Grands Prix, his best result is a sixth place in Brazil. "The Aprilia has a lot of stability and a lot of grip. It seems like a low bike, very stable and with a lot of traction. They’re simply better than us and we have to keep working. We still have a lot of movement on the bike; it’s hard to understand where you can push and where you can have good grip. Finding the limit is very complicated for us."

Team manager Davide Tardozzi provides more precise data. "Aprilia has improved a lot; if we compare last year’s data with this year’s, they’ve gained seven or eight tenths. We only one or two. It’s an impressive improvement; they have strong riders, like we do, but we need to hurry up."

Right now, the most concrete hopes are placed on Marc Marquez’s physical condition. Only the phenomenon from Cervera can bridge the gap with his champion’s mettle. His right arm is a concern, although there’s enough time to recover between now and Jerez—if not completely, at least partially. But even the reigning MotoGP champion can only admire the rivals’ work: "Bezzecchi is in incredible form and he’s showing it. Right now, he’s unstoppable."

It’s no secret that Aprilia is currently the best brand on the grid. "They’ve taken a step forward. I think it’s a combination: you make a small step with the bike, you gain confidence and automatically you go much faster. Above all, we need to understand why they make this step forward on Sundays; on Saturdays we manage to fight or be closer. On Sundays, though, they’re very consistent and very fast."