Jorge Lorenzo Analyzes the 2026 MotoGP Championship and Aprilia's Potential

Former five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo shared his perspective on the 2026 MotoGP season, pointing out that Aprilia possessed a technically superior motorcycle compared to Ducati. Despite this machine advantage, a combination of rider errors and the exceptional performance of Marc Marquez shaped a championship nearing its final stages.

Reflecting on the campaign, Lorenzo noted that the battle for the title featured tightly matched contenders, including Aprilia, Ducati, Marc Marquez, and Jorge Martin. However, an injury sustained by Martin in Australia altered the momentum of the season, opening a pathway for Marquez to contend closely for a milestone tenth world title.

Lorenzo recalled a conversation he had earlier in the year with Aprilia technical director Fabiano Sterlacchini during the season-opening weekend in Thailand. At the time, the former rider expressed his strong conviction regarding the Italian manufacturer's potential on the track.

"Looking at how your motorcycle behaves in corners, if Bezzecchi makes no errors and finishes the races, you will win the World Championship 100 percent," Lorenzo recounted telling Sterlacchini. He emphasized that the Aprilia RS-GP was lighter, highly agile, and capable of greater lean angles than the Ducati Desmosedici.

Despite the high technical potential of the motorcycle, Marco Bezzecchi encountered several setbacks throughout the year. Lorenzo pointed out that mistakes beginning early in the season hindered the rider's progress, preventing Aprilia from capitalizing fully on its machinery.

At the same time, Lorenzo highlighted the impact of Marc Marquez, comparing his skill level to racing icons like Ayrton Senna and Max Verstappen. "Marquez is Marquez: he is the Ayrton Senna of motorcycles, the Max Verstappen of motorcycles. Technically he is on another level," Lorenzo stated.

Looking ahead to the upcoming seasons, Lorenzo also discussed Francesco Bagnaia's impending transition to Aprilia for the next championship. He expressed confidence that the change of scenery and the precise cornering characteristics of the RS-GP will suit Bagnaia's smooth riding style as he begins a new chapter in his career.