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Fabiano Sterlacchini reveals when Aprilia expects to switch emphasis from its 1000cc to future 850cc MotoGP prototype.
Aprilia’s MotoGP technical director, Fabiano Sterlacchini, has announced that the factory will shift its focus from the final 1000cc RS-GP to developing a new 850cc MotoGP prototype starting in April 2026.
The 2027 season will see significant regulation changes, including a reduction in engine capacity, removal of certain devices, tighter aerodynamic limits, and a switch in tire suppliers from Michelin to Pirelli.
An engine freeze regulation has been put in place to assist manufacturers in managing the transition, freezing engine specifications for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Sterlacchini mentioned that this engine freeze regulation allows manufacturers to concentrate on designing new projects as development is halted for all parties.
Aprilia plans to focus on developing the 2026 prototype initially and transition to the 2027 project by April, with KTM being the only manufacturer so far to reveal images of its 850cc engine.
