Aprilia Factory Racing

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Aprilia's history in Grand Prix racing is defined by atypical engineering choices and resilience. In the 500cc era, they campaigned a V-twin engine when competitors moved to V4s, eventually displacing it to 430cc but withdrawing after Doriano Romboni's third-place finish at the 1997 Dutch TT due to power disadvantages. Their first MotoGP effort with the RS Cube pioneered ride-by-wire throttles and pneumatic valve actuation, despite poor championship results. The team set a record for manufacturer points in a single season (410 points) in 2007, later surpassed by their own 420-point haul in 2011 when they won 16 of 17 races. After leaving the lower classes with the two-stroke ban, they returned to MotoGP in 2012 supplying ART bikes to independent teams like Aspar and Paul Bird Motorsport. In 2015, they partnered with Gresini Racing as a factory-supported team using the new RS-GP, eventually becoming a full official factory team again in 2022.

In Their Own Story

The road to Aprilia's modern success began in earnest in 2022 when they entered the series as an official factory team for the first time since 2004. That year marked a turning point as their previously supported Gresini Racing squad reverted to using Ducati bikes, allowing Aprilia to field their own dedicated lineup. The breakthrough came at the Argentine Grand Prix where Aleix Espargaró secured the team's first-ever premier class victory. Momentum built rapidly; in 2023, Espargaró and Maverick Viñales delivered a historic one-two finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, the first of its kind for the manufacturer. The narrative continued into 2025 with Jorge Martín joining as the defending riders' champion, replacing the retiring Espargaró. Marco Bezzecchi also arrived from the VR46 Racing Team, winning his debut British Grand Prix and securing back-to-back victories in Portugal and Valencia. By March 2026, the team celebrated a one-two finish at the United States Grand Prix in Austin with Bezzecchi winning and Martín taking second, while Martín claimed his first sprint victory with the squad.

Reader's Guide

For fans following the Aprilia Racing team, understanding their unique trajectory is key to appreciating their current form. Unlike many rivals who rely on established engine dominance, Aprilia's strategy has often centered on chassis balance and aerodynamic innovation, evident in their early adoption of technologies like ride-by-wire systems. The team operates with a distinct identity; they entered MotoGP in 2012 via the Claiming Rule Team category to rebuild their presence before graduating to full factory status. Key moments include their 2023 Catalan Grand Prix one-two finish and their 2025 back-to-back wins, which signaled their arrival as consistent contenders. The lineup for 2027 is set to feature Marco Bezzecchi alongside Francesco Bagnaia, who moves from the Ducati factory team, marking a significant roster shift. Fans should watch for how they manage tire wear and corner speed, areas where their unique engineering philosophy often yields results despite not always having the highest top speeds.

Did You Know?

• Aprilia set the record for most points by a manufacturer in a single season (410) in 2007, then broke their own record with 420 points in 2011.
• The RS Cube, Aprilia's first MotoGP bike, was technically advanced but difficult to ride and featured only three cylinders in an inline layout.
• In 2023, the team secured its first-ever one-two finish in a feature race at the Catalan Grand Prix with Espargaró and Viñales.
• Aprilia left the lower Grand Prix classes entirely when two-stroke engines were banned after their 2004 MotoGP withdrawal.