Get ready to witness a game-changer in MotoGP aerodynamics! Marco Bezzecchi has unveiled a radical new Aprilia design at the Valencia test, and it’s turning heads. But here’s where it gets controversial: could this be the boldest—or riskiest—move of the 2026 season? Let’s dive in.
At the Valencia MotoGP test, the first of the 2026 season, Aprilia debuted a groundbreaking fairing on the RS-GP, marking a significant departure from previous designs. This isn’t just a tweak—it’s a complete overhaul. Remember the post-race test in Barcelona at the end of 2024? Aprilia brought multiple fairing concepts to the table, eventually settling on one with small downwash ducts integrated into the bulbous bottom section of the main fairing. That design dominated the 2025 season, with minor tweaks limited to tail unit aerodynamics and side wings behind the rider’s legs. But this new package? It’s a whole new ballgame.
The front end is where the magic happens. The fairing now features a front wing that’s not integrated into the main body as usual. Instead, it’s suspended on two hangers below the air intake, which itself has been reshaped from the rectangular design we’ve seen for years. The wing’s angle is slightly more aggressive, and Aprilia has ditched the dual-element mainplane in favor of a beefed-up upper wing. Its endplate resembles the 2024 version, but the main aerodynamic surface is far more substantial—a clear bid for improved performance.
On the sides, the downwash ducts have been supersized, echoing Ducati’s recent developments. These ducts are now connected under the fairing, with their outer edges wrapping under the bellypan in a KTM-inspired design. Interestingly, there’s no new front wheel aerodynamics to complement these changes, which might raise eyebrows among tech enthusiasts. And this is the part most people miss: the turning veins on the bulbous section remain, focusing more on airflow control than downforce generation.
Now, let’s talk about the rear wing—it’s unlike anything MotoGP has seen before. Its square, flat endplates resemble those from Formula One’s 2009–16 era, extending down to cover the sides of the tail section. Could this be Aprilia’s answer to mid-corner downforce, compensating for the removal of the ‘stegasaurus’ wings? The dual-mainplane wing between the endplates curves like the front wing, likely addressing airflow around the on-board camera—a trick Yamaha and KTM have employed. The goal? Straight-up-and-down downforce for better rear stability during braking, a persistent issue for riders like Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin since their RS-GP debut in Barcelona last year.
As of the Valencia test, Bezzecchi clocked in second-fastest at 1:29.684, just 0.093 seconds behind Pedro Acosta. Will this fairing secure its spot for 2026? Only time—and testing—will tell. But here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is Aprilia’s bold redesign a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!