Aprilia's Race Manager, Paolo Bonora, is the person who can actually talk about the first kilometers of the new RS-GP 26, the weapon with which the Noale-based manufacturer will try to close the small gap that still separates it from Ducati.
With two top-level riders like Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin - the latter who was present at Sepang but not on the track, since he was recovering from recent surgery - the team is expected to improve on its excellent performance in 2025 even if, like all manufacturers, Aprilia has one eye on 2027 and the new 850 cc, with its engine already roaring on the test bench.
"Here we go again, even though, in reality, it's as if we never stopped," Bonora said, probably still with the roar of the latest V4 in his ears. "We've brought all the work done over the winter here to Sepang... eight bikes with 2026 specifications, and we'll also do some testing with the 2025 bikes to get some references. We'll have a very tight testing schedule, both for the official team and for Trackhouse."
We can't help but ask you about Martin's absence, since he's still recovering after two surgeries in mid-December.
"From a personal point of view, we feel really bad, but we want to look on the bright side and hope to have him one hundred percent in Thailand. Fortunately, he had that check-up because he wasn't feeling well and found out he needed another operation. After doing so, he immediately felt an improvement and will continue his recovery to approach the test in Thailand with confidence."
From a sporting aspect, what does that mean?
"It's a shame that a factory rider has to miss such an important test, and our trusted Lorenzo Savadori will have to roll up his sleeves! We'll have to give him a lot of energy because six days of testing at Sepang is a big effort, but he already did it last year, and we trust him. We're readjusting the test program and will try to complete the planned schedule, so that Jorge has a bike that's already ready for his first test."
At the presentation in Milan, you showed the RS-GP 2026 with an advanced aerodynamic solution, but this suggests that it's not the final version.
"In the Valencia tests in November, we brought a new aerodynamic advancement, covering it with a zebra livery. Now you'll see those lines in carbon black, but there are going to be developments. We'll have them in all the various areas of the bike, and this is a sign of a lot of technical activity in that area."
We already took a peek today and saw a lot of tests on the tail sections. We know you call the rounder one 'Obelix' and the one with wings 'Asterix'. Will 'Idefix' be here, too?
"We want to reconfirm the sensations we had in Valencia on a different track. This is a much more complete circuit - faster, wider -where the bike is more challenged. There will be everything and more," he said laughing, "and not just from an aerodynamic point of view."
Can you give us a preview?
"Since the beginning of last year , we've been working on making the bike more stable. Bezzecchi and Martin, but also Savadori, asked us for a bike that was easier to handle, one that reacted less to disturbances and changes in grip. We've worked hard and made progress, which was evident from the middle of the season onwards, and we're continuing to do so. We're working on the power delivery of the engine and the electronics."
Last year, you found the consistency you were lacking. What else does the RS-GP need?
"We definitely need to confirm our progress. In the past, we struggled on some tracks, and we managed to improve our consistency without losing much on those circuits where we had always done well historically. It's a matter of compromise. We recovered on those more stop-and-go tracks, where you need to turn tightly. So we need to confirm ourselves on Marco's side. He has a good base and knows the bike better, understanding if the developments in Valencia can be an advantage. From Jorge's point of view, we'll have to catch up with him and find a base for him, because he's ridden much less than all the other riders. It's important for us to make him feel good on the bike and start tailoring the settings for him. We'll start from a base that's very close to Marco's, which we can see is working, then follow the two lines of development that the riders require."
What are the expectations for 2026?
"We don't want to set any expectations higher than last year, but... we have to do better than last year!" he laughed. "We know that our riders have the performance, we have absolutely no doubt about that, and we have to allow everyone, including Fernandez and Ogura, to improve. In 2025, we had a strong end to the season, with excellent results, including a win with Raul, so expectations are good, but we've learned that every year is different. We must not rely on last year's feelings. We'll start as we always have, knowing our potential, but without ever losing focus."