The atmosphere at the Le Mans Bugatti Circuit was absolutely electric this past weekend, as Aprilia Racing didn’t just win—they completely rewrote the record books. For the first time ever in the top class of MotoGP, it was an all-Aprilia podium, proving that the Noale-based squad is currently the force to be reckoned with.
Martín’s Masterclass Comeback
Jorge Martín was the man of the hour, securing his first race win on the RS-GP in spectacular fashion. Starting from seventh on the grid, he pulled off a massive comeback to take the chequered flag. It’s been a long time coming for Martín—588 days since his last MotoGP victory in Mandalika back in 2024—but he made it look easy.
He didn’t just win the long race, though; he bagged the double by winning the sprint race too, matching his 2024 Le Mans performance. This marked his ninth win in the premier class and, impressively, his first ever victory when starting from outside the front two rows. Martín mentioned after the race that while he wasn’t sure he’d be battling for the win at the start, his confidence in the Aprilia is growing every single day.
Bezzecchi and Ogura Join the Party
Coming in hot for second place was Marco Bezzecchi, who rode a clever, steady race to ensure an Aprilia factory team one-two finish. Bezzecchi is on a serious roll right now; this was his fifth consecutive podium since the season kicked off. He’s actually the first rider to manage that streak since Valentino Rossi back in 2015. While Bezzecchi admitted Martín had just a bit more pace, he was stoked with a front-row qualifying spot and podiums in both the sprint and the main event.
The history-making didn’t stop there. Ai Ogura, riding for the Trackhouse MotoGP Team, crossed the line in third. His performance was the final piece of the puzzle, completing that first-ever all-Aprilia podium lockout.
The Stats Behind the Success
This result at Le Mans on 10 May 2026 is a massive milestone for the team. Here’s a quick look at why this weekend was so special:
- First-ever podium lockout for Aprilia in MotoGP.
- Seventh consecutive podium in the top class.
- Fourth brace (first and second finish) for the factory team, following Montmeló 2023, Goîania 2026, and COTA 2026.
- 306 total wins for Aprilia Racing in World Championship Motorcycle Racing.
A Word from the Boss
Massimo Rivola was understandably beaming, calling it a “historic day.” He gave a shout-out to Fabiano Sterlacchini for leading the team so well and noted how thrilling it was to see Martín so strong at the very track where, a year ago, his future with the team seemed uncertain. He also expressed relief and joy for Ai Ogura’s podium finish following a tough run in Austin.
It’s clear that the racing division back in Noale is doing something right. With the bikes performing this well and the riders full of confidence, the rest of the 2026 season is looking very bright for the Italian manufacturer.
