Aprilia MotoGP rider Marco Bezzecchi believes the 2026 RS-GP is improved, however admits there was larger progress between the 2024 and 2025 variations than this yr.
The Italian producer had its finest season in MotoGP historical past in 2025, taking 4 wins between Marco Bezzecchi and Raul Fernandes and ending second within the constructors’ standings.
Ducati confronted even harder challenges within the second half of the season, elevating hopes that the hole would shut additional in 2026.
After the primary pre-season take a look at of the yr at Sepang, Ducati seems to have maintained its benefit, though the timesheets put Aprilia in second general with Bezzecchi.
Evaluating the primary take a look at, Bezzecchi admitted that the 2026 bike was higher in comparison with final yr’s, however the progress was slight.
“The bike is a little bit bit higher. I’d say it is a little bit bit higher in all areas,” he mentioned in Sepang on Thursday.
“The character is just about the identical. The largest modifications occurred between the 2024 and 2025 bikes.
“There are plenty of modifications this yr, however the enhancements are a little bit small. They’ve definitely modified, however it’s exhausting to quantify how a lot.”
Bezzecchi recorded his finest lap within the take a look at in the direction of the tip of the ultimate day of follow, clocking a time of 1 minute 56.526 seconds, taking the lead over the Ducatis.
Nonetheless, Bezzecchi was not fully glad with the time assault effort as “we’re at all times testing issues”.
“To be trustworthy, I believed we may have performed a little bit higher,” he added.
“I’d have appreciated to have performed a little bit bit higher, however it’s tough since you’re at all times testing issues on the bike and you need to adapt to that.
“So I did not have the most effective time assault of my life. However in a take a look at, that counts to some extent.”
Marco Bezzecchi, Aprilia Manufacturing unit Racing, 2026 Sepang Take a look at
© Gold & Goose
Aprilia turned heads through the three-day Sepang take a look at with an up to date rear aero that includes a extra aggressive design than earlier years.
“To be trustworthy, I believe in MotoGP, everyone seems to be at all times speaking in regards to the minimal variations, not simply us,” he mentioned of the brand new wing.
“So it is also tough to actually reply all of your questions, as a result of on the finish of the day, it’s totally tough to elucidate.”
