Aprilia’s new 850cc MotoGP engine is “ready, running,” and the company is visibly pleased with its test bench performance as the sport gears up for the revised 2027 technical rules.
So far, KTM has been the only manufacturer to publicize footage of an 850cc power unit, first in the factory and then on track at Jerez with test rider Pol Espargaró. Aprilia’s 850cc rollout, however, remains unconfirmed in terms of on-track debuts. In a Crash.net interview, Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola stated, “The [850cc] engine is ready... The engine is running.” He added that the team is very satisfied with the engine’s bench testing progress.
Rivola also noted that the 850cc bike is a work in progress and not the immediate priority, though development will come. He described Noale as a busy hub of activity at the moment.
Aprilia enjoyed its strongest MotoGP season to date, propelled by new rider Marco Bezzecchi, who finished third in the standings, and a RS-GP that claimed three of the final four races of the year. With an eye toward 2026, the team faces the delicate question of when to shift resources from its current 1000cc bike to the 850cc prototype, given the potential for a title challenge next season.
Rivola explained the strategic dilemma: determining the point at which development of the 2026 1000cc bike should transition to concentrating on the 850cc project, while also factoring in how the championship unfolds next year. Technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini has suggested that the main crossover in development could occur around March or April of 2026.
The forthcoming 2027 regulations will impose reduced engine capacity, a switch to Pirelli as MotoGP’s sole tyre supplier, tighter aerodynamics, and a ban on ride-height devices.
Bezzecchi’s first Aprilia victory came at Silverstone this year, a race notable for Fabio Quartararo’s retirement from the lead due to a ride-height failure—a system Rivola openly criticized as problematic, referring to such devices as “stupid” despite their continued presence.
(Background note: The article’s last line references an individual named Peter who has long paddock experience and context around Valentino Rossi’s departure, Suzuki’s exit, and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.)
