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Aprilia's Bold Declaration: Setting Sights on MotoGP Glory

Aprilia's Ascent: A New Era of Competition in MotoGP

Aprilia is determined to challenge Ducati's stronghold in the premier motorcycle racing class, with racing director Massimo Rivola declaring the 2026 title as their ultimate goal. Following impressive showings, Aprilia has solidified its position as a consistent front-runner, hinting at a shift in the championship landscape.

Recent Triumphs: Underscoring Aprilia's Growing Prowess

The Italian manufacturer recently showcased its strength, particularly in Australia where Raul Fernandez secured a remarkable first victory for Trackhouse, complemented by factory rider Marco Bezzecchi's third-place finish despite incurring penalties. Bezzecchi also demonstrated the RS-GP's speed in Indonesia, capturing pole position and contributing to an Aprilia 1-2 sprint race finish. These results mark Aprilia's most significant challenge to Ducati since the 2022 season.

Strategic Rider Lineup for Future Success

Aprilia has strategically overhauled its rider roster for the 2025 season, bringing in reigning champion Jorge Martin and multiple race-winner Marco Bezzecchi from Ducati's satellite teams. Although Martin has faced challenges with injuries this year, Bezzecchi has consistently performed at the front, even surpassing factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to claim third in the championship standings after the Australian Grand Prix.

Rivola's Confidence in Bezzecchi's Championship Potential

Massimo Rivola expressed profound admiration for Marco Bezzecchi's innate talent and resilience throughout the current season. He highlighted Bezzecchi's consistent speed, particularly at diverse tracks, and his ability to rebound from adversity, confidently stating his belief that Bezzecchi will emerge as a strong championship contender in 2026. Rivola acknowledged that while Bezzecchi initially set high expectations, his adaptability to the bike and continuous improvement have been remarkable.

The Path Forward: Aprilia's Position in the Constructors' Standings

Currently, Aprilia holds the second position in the MotoGP constructors' championship with 345 points, as the season approaches its final three races. While Ducati maintains a significant lead with 671 points, Aprilia's recent surge in performance and strategic acquisitions signal their intent to close the gap and compete for top honors in the coming seasons.

Repsol, a globally recognized lubricant producer, is set to re-enter the world of MotoGP in 2026, marking a significant milestone after a brief hiatus. The company will assume the role of official lubricant supplier for both the Moto2 and Moto3 categories, alongside securing title sponsorship for a Grand Prix event and prominent trackside advertising throughout the 2026 season. This announcement follows reports of their anticipated return after parting ways with the factory Honda team in 2024, concluding a successful nearly three-decade collaboration.

Repsol's Grand Return: A New Era for Motorsport Lubrication and Sponsorship

In a strategic move confirmed by MotoGP, Repsol, the Spanish energy and petrochemical company, will make its highly anticipated comeback to the premier motorcycle racing series in 2026. This return sees Repsol taking on a multifaceted role, primarily as the official lubricant supplier for the intermediate Moto2 and Moto3 classes. Additionally, the brand will elevate its presence through a coveted title sponsorship of a Grand Prix race and extensive trackside branding across the 2026 calendar. This development comes after an earlier report by Autosport hinted at Repsol's return, following their decision to end a 29-year-long, highly successful alliance with the Honda factory team at the close of the 2024 season. During their partnership with Honda, Repsol was synonymous with excellence, achieving an impressive 15 world titles. However, the move of star rider Marc Marquez to Gresini Ducati had already diminished some of their visibility, prompting this new strategic direction. Dan Rossomondo, the chief commercial officer for Dorna, MotoGP's rights holder, expressed enthusiasm about Repsol's return, highlighting the brand's reputation for quality and success within the sport. He emphasized that the partnership will ensure top-tier lubricant technology for Moto2 and Moto3 teams and riders, further solidifying Repsol's commitment to innovation. Clara Velasco, a director at Repsol, echoed this sentiment, stating that the new collaboration with MotoGP is a crucial step in their global growth strategy. She underscored their eagerness to demonstrate the superior quality and performance of their lubricants in the challenging environment of motorcycle racing and to continuously innovate for their customers.

Repsol's strategic reentry into MotoGP signifies a forward-thinking approach to brand visibility and technological advancement. By focusing on Moto2 and Moto3, Repsol is not only investing in the future talent of the sport but also reinforcing its commitment to developing cutting-edge lubricant technology under extreme racing conditions. This move will undoubtedly benefit the younger categories with enhanced performance products, while also ensuring Repsol maintains a strong, visible presence in the global motorsport arena.