Aprilia is on schedule with its 850cc motorcycle from 2027

The regulatory overhaul in 2027, with the return of 850cc engines and changes to the regulations, particularly regarding aerodynamics, is forcing manufacturers MotoGP Looking to the future, while also continuing development, in Aprilia's case for example, of its 1000cc prototype. Indeed, after several seasons of undisputed Ducati dominance, the Borgo Panigale firm is facing a serious challenge from its Noale counterpart, whose two factory riders, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martín, are leading the world championship ahead of this weekend's round at the Bugatti Circuit in Le Mans. Maintaining a balance between the current season and the next is no easy task, as Marco de Luca, Aprilia Racing's vehicle department director, explained to several media outlets, including AUTOhebdo, this Friday.

“We’re taking a constantly evolving approach, in a way, depending on our position. The fact that we have a good bike this year helps us, especially in balancing resources between this season and next season. However, we still need to react to what might happen because it’s like a bank investment; it’s not a guarantee for the future. We need to maintain our level of competitiveness this year while also looking towards 2027.”

In Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, following the last Grand Prix, Aprilia unveiled a first, "hybrid" version of its 2027 machine, primarily featuring the 850cc engine. This initial track test, with Lorenzo Savadori at the helm, perfectly adhered to the established schedule.

“The timing is good for us; we had a good first test session. It’s a hybrid bike, of course, so we can start developing certain concepts. We’ll repeat the exercise with a more mature bike and continue like this until the first race, but for now we’re on schedule.”

While the 2027 regulations were envisioned as a real revolution, the former engineer of the Team Ferrari and Formula 1 He clarified that some of the development work on the 2026 Aprilia RS-GP could still be used next year. Indeed, the aerodynamic solutions, although subject to different regulations, will not be prohibited.

“There is continuity; there are concepts that we can retain from this year and continue to develop. Obviously, we cannot import some concepts because they are too closely linked to the power unit and the new mass distribution. However, there are some fundamentals that we can continue to develop for next year. It's not a clean slate.”

Having mastered the art of aerodynamics, a science particularly brought to MotoGP by Ducati, Aprilia should therefore be able to continue operating in this area of ​​expertise in 2027, even if the change to the "regulatory boxes," into which the wings can be integrated, will inevitably force manufacturers to revise their designs. For those who hoped to see aerodynamics play a significant role in the new regulations, they will have to wait!

“I often jokingly say that as long as we’re not running in a complete vacuum or aerodynamics are totally out of the question, we have to use every available resource to find every last centimeter of space to develop.”Luca continued. "It's different; there are limitations in certain areas, more homologation zones, so you have to be precise and make the right bets. The regulations will reduce some constraints but add others, so you have to master all of this and be very attentive. We are therefore spending the maximum resources at our disposal."

The Italian engineer finally discussed the tools at Aprilia's disposal, ahead of a season that will also see the switch from Michelin to Pirelli tires. Like Formula 1 teams, before the introduction of the 2026 regulations, the Italian manufacturer is primarily working with simulation tools, since Pirelli's 2027 tires are not yet finalized.

“We need to figure out the tires. So far, we’ve had a good test session, we’ve created our tire models in simulation, but we have to work with what we have. As for the rest of the bike, I’d say we’ll have a different bike in terms of weight distribution, so that’s something we need to simulate very carefully. If we make a mistake and realize it too late, it’s all over. Aerodynamics is an interesting area because there are differences and similarities with this year’s package. Some areas are more restricted, others less so. Regarding the bike’s ride height control (banned in 2027 – Ed.), it’s easy, we just have to remove it! (laughs) It’s cheaper, it’s less complicated, but of course there are things to consider about what will happen afterward without these devices.”

Comments collected by Michaël Duforest, in Le Mans.

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