Aprilia Racing

Lore & Background

Despite being a relatively small company by global motorcycling standards, Aprilia is very active in motorcycle sports. It contested many Road Racing formulae, including the now-defunct 125 cc, 250 cc and 500 cc Grand Prix classes of the FIM World Championship. From 2002 to 2004, they participated in the FIM MotoGP World Championship, and from 1999 to 2002, they participated in the FIM Superbike World Championship. Aprilia has returned to World Superbike since the 2009 season and in MotoGP since the 2012 season. Aprilia also feature in the off-road racing world, with their 450 cc V-2 motocrosser producing respectable results (including race wins) in both off-road (Motocross) and on-road (Supermoto) categories. Aprilia made their international racing debut in the Motocross World Championship competing in the 125cc class from 1976 until 1981 with a best result being a fifth place in the 1979 season with rider Corrado Maddi. The firm then focused on the Grand Prix road racing world championships in 1985 and since then it has seen varying successes. Aprilia won their first world championship race at the 1987 San Marino motorcycle Grand Prix with rider Loris Reggiani winning the 250cc race. In , they won their first road racing world championship with Gramigni winning the 125cc class. They continued to be successful in the smaller displacement categories, winning numerous races and championships in the 125 cc and 250 cc Grand Prix classes. However, their 500 cc Grand Prix bikes failed to attain the same success. They began campaigning in the 500cc class in 1994 with a 250 V twin motor enlarged to 380cc in hopes of using its lighter weight and nimble handling as an advantage against the heavier, V4 engine bikes used by the competition. The bike eventually displaced 430cc and had its best result with a third place by rider Doriano Romboni at the 1997 Dutch TT but, could never overcome power disadvantage during the starting line sprint and was withdrawn at the end of the season for further development. Their first MotoGP effort, dubbed the RS Cube, was technically advanced but difficult to ride and performed poorly in the championship. The Cube did, however, pioneer many advanced technologies including ride by wire throttle and pneumatic valve actuation systems.

Reader's Guide

Aprilia entered the Grand Prix road racing world championships in 1985 and since then it has seen varying successes. On 15 August 2010, Aprilia became the most successful motorcycle racing brand in history, surpassing fellow Italian MV Agusta with a record 276th victory. Early times: 500 cc class – Aprilia began campaigning in the 500cc class in 1994 with a 250 V twin motor enlarged to 380cc. The bike eventually displaced 430cc and had its best result with a third place by rider Doriano Romboni at the 1997 Dutch TT. As MotoGP – Many world champions started on Aprilia such as Biaggi, Capirossi, Gramigni, Locatelli, Sakata and Rossi. First venture: While having a technically advanced bike, Aprilia performed poorly in the championship in their first MotoGP effort. They left the MotoGP class at the end of and then left the lower classes when two-stroke engines were banned. Second Attempt: Aprilia rejoined the MotoGP class in in the Claiming Rule Team category. In , Aprilia entered the series as an official factory team as 'Aprilia Racing' for the first time since 2004, and won its premier class grand prix at Argentina with Aleix Espargaró. A first-ever 1-2 result in a feature race was secured by Espargaró and Maverick Viñales at the 2023 Catalan Grand Prix. In , defending riders' champion Jorge Martín signed for the factory team from Pramac Racing replacing the retiring Aleix Espargaró. Marco Bezzecchi also joined from the VR46 Racing Team, winning the British Grand Prix in his debut season with Aprilia. Bezzecchi would also win the final two races in Portugal and Valencia, giving Aprilia their first ever back-to-back wins in the premier class. In March 2026, Aprilia Racing achieved a one-two finish at the 2026 United States motorcycle Grand Prix in Austin, with Marco Bezzecchi winning the race and Jorge Martín finishing second. Martín also won the sprint race, marking his first sprint victory with the team. For , Aprilia Racing will retain Marco Bezzecchi while signing Francesco Bagnaia, who moves from the Ducati factory team.

Did You Know?

• Aprilia set the record for the most points earned by a manufacturer in a single season from the 125cc class with 410 points.
• It was also the highest points earned by a constructor in Grand Prix motorcycle racing's history until 420 points were won by the same bikes winning 16 out of 17 races.