The Aprilia Comeback and a Controversial New Fuel Rule

Our final post in the "catch-up" phase of the post-summer break MotoGP season is a summary of some recent announcements in the world of MotoGP for the future of the sport. Aprilia on the comeback, new regulations on the horizon, and a familiar face joining the paddock.

A Battle on Two Fronts

The world of MotoGP is not just about on-track action; it's a constant battle of innovation and strategic development. In the short break between the Czechia and Catalonia Grand Prix, three major stories came to the forefront, highlighting the progress of a manufacturer and the sport’s commitment to a greener future. The comeback of Aprilia, the new fuel regulation announcement underscored the fierce competition and the ever-evolving nature of the sport, and Guenther Steiner entering the sport.

Aprilia's Resurgence

Aprilia has been on an upward trajectory for the past few seasons, and their 2025 campaign has been a testament to their progress. After the Czechia Grand Prix, where Marco Bezzecchi secured a podium finish, the paddock was buzzing about the team's newfound pace. The team, which had struggled for years, was now a consistent podium contender and a genuine threat to the front-runners.

The key storyline here was the synergy between the team and its riders. Jorge Martin, the reigning World Champion, had a difficult first half of the season, largely due to injury, but his teammate Marco Bezzecchi had stepped up in a major way. The Italian had a win and multiple podiums in both the Sprint and Grand Prix races, and his consistent performance was a clear sign of the team’s progress. The RS-GP was now a formidable machine, capable of competing with the best in the world.

The Race, in its analysis of the 2025 season, pointed out that Aprilia’s technical team had finally found a sweet spot with the RS-GP. The bike’s handling and engine performance had been significantly improved, and it was now a genuine threat. This was a crucial development for the team, as it not only showed their progress but also gave them a bargaining chip in the ever-fierce rider market. The fact that Jorge Martin had chosen to stick with the team for 2026 was a testament to his belief in their project.

The New Fuel Regulation

While the on-track action was a major focus, the FIM and Dorna were also making big moves off the track. A major announcement during the break was the agreement on the 2027 MotoGP fuel specification. The Grand Prix Commission confirmed that the fuels in all classes would be 100% non-fossil, a major step towards sustainability.

This was a game-changing announcement for the sport. It showed MotoGP's commitment to a greener future and its willingness to adapt to a changing world. The technical implications of this new rule were massive. Manufacturers would need to completely redesign their engines to run on the new fuel, a process that would require a significant amount of research and development. This also created a new challenge for the teams, as they would need to find a way to make the new fuel work without compromising performance.

The new rule was not without its critics. Some in the paddock expressed concerns about the cost and the potential for a new "arms race" to develop the best engine. However, the majority of the paddock seemed to be on board with the change. The move was seen as a necessary step for the sport's long-term future, and it was a clear signal that MotoGP was committed to staying at the forefront of motorsport technology.

The 2026 Engine Freeze

In a separate but related announcement, the Grand Prix Commission also approved a proposal to freeze the engine specification for the 2026 season. This meant that factories would have to use their 2025 engine designs in the following season. The move was a strategic one, aimed at controlling costs and keeping a level playing field before the major rule change in 2027.

This was a major story for the teams. For manufacturers like Ducati and Aprilia, who were at the top of their game, the freeze was a boon. It allowed them to focus their resources on the 2027 regulations and gave them an advantage over their rivals. However, for struggling manufacturers like Honda and Yamaha, the freeze was a double-edged sword. While it prevented a costly development race in 2026, it also meant that they would be stuck with their current engines for another season, a major setback in their efforts to close the gap to their rivals.

A New Chapter in the KTM Tech3 Story

In a bombshell announcement that delighted fans and sent a buzz through the paddock, former Haas F1 Team Principal Guenther Steiner announced a new venture: the acquisition of the KTM Tech3 team. Known for his no-nonsense attitude and quotable moments on Netflix's Drive to Survive, Steiner, along with a consortium of investors, will take full ownership of the team from the 2026 season.

The news broke just before the Catalan Grand Prix, with a special press conference confirming the takeover. This move is a significant development for KTM Tech3. The long-serving team, founded by Hervé Poncharal, is set for a new era under Steiner's leadership as CEO, with partner Richard Coleman stepping in as Team Principal. Poncharal will remain in a consultancy role, ensuring a smooth transition.

Steiner's involvement is a major coup for MotoGP. His public profile and business acumen are expected to help the sport reach a new global audience, particularly in the United States. For KTM, the deal is a win-win: they retain a long-standing partner in Tech3, and they gain a high-profile figurehead who can help grow the brand's presence. As Enea Bastianini, a rider with the KTM Tech3 team, quipped after his podium finish at the Catalan Grand Prix, "I think Guenther is a lucky bastard! He's just come in, got a podium." His light-hearted comment underscored the excitement and optimism surrounding Steiner's arrival and the new era for the team.

What do you think of MotoGP's new fuel regulations? Do you believe it's a good move for the sport's future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! For more in-depth analysis of the technical side of MotoGP, subscribe to our blog for all the latest news!