Aprilia’s type throughout this winter’s MotoGP testing has earned it loads of reward from its rivals, particularly Ducati, however Marco Bezzecchi “would not really feel the identical manner as them”.
The Italian producer completed the 2025 season with three wins out of the final 4 races, taking second place within the producers’ standings for the primary time.
Aprilia was due to this fact pegged all winter as a critical risk to Ducati’s dominance in 2026, the ultimate yr of the 1000cc regulation.
Aprilia took the lead in final week’s Buriram check, with Marco Bezzecchi main Trackhouse’s Ai Ogura 1-2.
This has had no impact on the hype surrounding Aprilia’s opening race this weekend in Thailand, with Marc Marquez saying final Sunday: “In fact, Aprilia, particularly Marco, but additionally (Jorge) Martin, who solely examined as soon as, and (Ai) Ogura have additionally taken a step ahead.
“Already final yr, Marko completed the second half of the season tremendous quick, so he will probably be a title contender from the beginning.”
However Bezzecchi supplied a extra cautious outlook. “Clearly, I’m general proud of my bike.
“However throughout testing, it is troublesome to clarify comparisons as a result of everybody has a distinct job and we do not know what they’re doing and we do not know which tires they’re utilizing.
“So it was good to lastly see the check outcomes, particularly since we have been making ready for the weekend right here in Thailand.
“But it surely would not matter. So I do not really feel the identical manner as them. I am certain they may come race weekend.”
“They have been already quick at the moment, we’re all one step nearer.
“Hopefully we are able to do the identical on the race weekend and have the ability to compete with them. However in the intervening time it is troublesome to make any particular feedback.”
When requested if he thought there can be a motorbike that would compete in 2026, he replied:
“The primary half of final season was a bit up and down, so my foremost purpose now’s to get off to a greater begin than final yr.
“So my purpose is to be extra constant from the start.
“Hopefully we are able to battle for race and outcome, however my foremost purpose now’s to begin in higher form.
“And naturally we’re open to altering targets through the season.”
