Michael Laverty says Aprilia are no longer ‘piggybacking’ Italian rivals Ducati in MotoGP

Laverty spoke to TNT Sports following the United States GP, noting how the dynamic between Aprilia and Ducati had shifted significantly.

Aprilia’s first steps back into MotoGP came in 2012, entering two bikes under the ‘Claiming Rule Teams’ banner. Essentially, they were racing modified production engines rather than full prototypes. Later, they moved to an ‘Open Entry’ status.

Both designations gave them certain benefits — extra engines, more fuel, and different tyre options — meant to help bridge the gap to the factory teams.

Since 2022, Aprilia have competed as a full manufacturer entry. Where they once followed Ducati’s lead in development, they are now driving innovation themselves with advancements like leg wings and even an F-Duct system.

“I think back to 10 years ago, they were piggybacking Ducati’s tests, they were just watching what Ducati were doing,” said Laverty. “Now, they’ve actually stolen a march on them. They are possibly superior.

“It is exceptional to think a small racing factory that Aprilia had in comparison to Ducati… all of a sudden they’ve overtaken them.”

Suzi Perry hearing Aprilia chants from fans for the first time

Laverty’s TNT colleague Suzi Perry heard fans chanting for Aprilia in Austin. She may be a veteran of the MotoGP paddock, but she can’t remember this happening.

Ducati used to be the ones getting all the crowd support. But since signing Martin in 2024, and with Bagnaia set to join next year, Aprilia’s profile has only grown stronger.

Perry said: “It also feels like, in the fandom, there’s a slight shift. Never have I ever heard fans chanting Aprilia. I’ve heard them chanting Ducati. It just feels like there’s something happening, doesn’t it?”

LCR rider Johann Zarco believes that Bezzecchi will become a household name as well.