Aprilia's 2027 MotoGP bike is a strategic evolution, not a simple copy-and-paste job. CEO Massimo Rivola emphasizes the importance of knowledge transfer as the company navigates the upcoming technical regulations. The 2027 rules bring significant changes, including smaller 850cc engines, a ban on ride-height devices, and a switch to Pirelli tires from Michelin. While KTM and Honda have already tested 850cc prototypes, Aprilia is focusing on bench testing before its 'Spring' debut.
Rivola believes that Aprilia's current MotoGP knowledge is highly transferable to the new bike. He states, 'At the end, what you learn in the engine - I don't want to say it's a copy and paste, but we saw that there is a lot of know-how to transfer. Same for aero, same for chassis… So there will be a lot of knowledge to transfer to the new bike.'
The 2026 Aprilia RS-GP is nearly finalized, with 80-90% of the package already set. Rivola explains, 'I think 80-90% of the package is fixed. But small details, after we analyze everything at home, will be brought to Thailand for the very last development.'
Aprilia's development efforts also benefit from the input of satellite Trackhouse riders Raul Fernandez and Ai Ogura. Rivola notes, 'This is also quite interesting. Riders explain things in different ways, but at the end, they gave almost the same comments, so that helps a lot.'
Despite Jorge Martin's recovery from surgery, Aprilia remains focused on the final test, where Martin must pass the official MotoGP medical check before riding. With a strong team and a strategic approach, Aprilia is poised to make a significant impact in the 2027 MotoGP season.
