Aprilia is targeting the beginning of spring for the first on-track appearance of its 850cc MotoGP prototype, according to technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini.
The Italian manufacturer has already been running its 2027-spec 850cc engine on the test bench, alongside continued development of the final 1000cc RS-GP under the current regulations. Sterlacchini said the engine is currently in a reliability and early development phase, with the first complete prototype already built and undergoing testing before its track debut.
Aprilia is confident about its progress and optimistic about meeting the spring timeline, despite the challenges of preparing for a major regulation change while still competing at the front of the current MotoGP grid.
KTM was the first manufacturer to test an 850cc MotoGP bike on track late last year, followed by Honda. Ducati, Yamaha and Aprilia have yet to run their new-generation machines outside the test bench.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola believes the team’s efficiency will help it manage the demanding transition to the new era. He sees the dual focus on current performance and future development as an opportunity rather than a problem, especially for a team capable of fighting for podiums while building toward 2027.
Rivola also pointed out that the biggest unknown may not be the bike or engine, but the switch to Pirelli tyres, which he considers the most challenging variable of the new regulations.
Sterlacchini echoed that confidence, highlighting the adaptability and reactivity of Italian engineering culture. He believes Aprilia can thrive in the complexity of overlapping projects and sees the transition period as a chance to gain an advantage.
Aprilia finished second behind Ducati in last season’s MotoGP constructors’ standings, but has yet to confirm any rider line-up for the 2027 850cc era.
