What advantages does Aprilia hold over Ducati thanks to concessions?

During the opening round of the 2026 season MotoGPIn Thailand, Aprilia proved it has what it takes to challenge Ducati's dominance. The RS-GP still needs to demonstrate its competitiveness across all the circuits on the calendar, but this first act of the battle between the Italian manufacturers suggests a thrilling duel for the constructors' championship. Something the sport has been missing since Ducati's reign of supremacy began.

Aprilia's return to contention was also due to its position in the manufacturer concessions system, introduced at the end of the 2023 season. As a reminder, this system divides the five MotoGP grid manufacturers into four categories, based on their total points scored over a season, expressed as a percentage (over 85% for Tier A – the highest-performing category – 60-85% for Tier B, 35-60% for Tier C, and under 35% for Tier D). This ranking provides various advantages, helping struggling manufacturers catch up with the top performers.

What are the differences between the two factories?

Since the introduction of this system, Ducati occupies Rank A, while Aprilia is assigned to Rank C. Noale therefore has more room to maneuver to develop his machine, which has allowed him – and still allows him – to come back on Ducati.

Thus, while Aprilia and Ducati can only carry out private tests with their test riders, and on a maximum of three circuits of their choice, Noale benefits from 50 additional sets of tires for its tests (220 against 170 for Borgo Panigale).

Another major advantage: where Ducati cannot field any wildcard riders in Grand Prix to test its potential discoveries, Aprilia can do so six times – three at the beginning of the season and three in the second half of the championship.

However, Ducati and Aprilia share some restrictions. The engine specifications of both Italian manufacturers are frozen in 2026, while their riders each have eight power units available, compared to ten for Tier D riders. Regarding aerodynamics, manufacturers will only be able to homologate one major upgrade during the season. Aprilia's research on this upgrade is, however, facilitated by the aforementioned advantages.

In a context where Aprilia seems to have rejoined the leading pack, each of these advantages could prove crucial. However, Aprilia may not be able to benefit from the advantages of Tier C for long.

Aprilia towards a promotion?

During each season, two assessments are carried out. The first, relating to the Window 1calculates the percentage of points scored from the first to the last event of the season. The second, on the Window 2, focuses on the events from the mid-season of one championship to the mid-season of the following one. In 2026, the calculation of the Window 2 will be determined based on points scored between the 2025 Czech Grand Prix and the 2026 German Grand Prix.

Ducati finished the last summer test with over 98% of the points scored, but this score has been steadily declining ever since. Borgo Panigale ended its season with 94% of the possible points (only 91% in the provisional calculation of the Window 2This slight decline keeps them firmly in this tier, but a relegation to Tier B mid-season cannot be ruled out. This would mean that Aprilia has taken the lead in the championship, and would allow Borgo Panigale more room to make up ground.

Aprilia, on the other hand, is closer to a change and seems to be on track to move up to Tier B. An excellent start to the 2026 season could propel the manufacturer into a new dimension. In 2025, Aprilia secured 51% of the available points, a record for the manufacturer. However, a closer look reveals that since the summer, Noale has claimed 62% of the available points. Marco Bezzecchi's victory in Thailand only confirms this trend. By continuing on this trajectory, the 60% threshold required for promotion to Tier B will be reached next July at the Sachsenring during the next concessions review.

A short-lived change

At that point, Aprilia's two major advantages over Ducati would be reduced: the number of tires allocated for private testing would drop from 220 to 190 (compared to 170 for Ducati), and the number of wildcard entries would decrease from 6 to 3. This includes the cancellation of any wildcard entries already approved for the period following the test. However, eleven rounds remain before the next inspection. These are all opportunities for Ducati to turn things around, and for Aprilia to capitalize on its advantages, before a potential reduction in its privileges.

In the event of a change, the new situation will only be in effect for six months. Indeed, in 2027, the new technical regulations to be introduced in MotoGP will reset the concessions system. Thus, all factory teams on the grid will begin this new technical era in Tier B.

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