What Aprilia's numbers reveal about challenging Ducati

We are living in an era of instant access, which offers both benefits and challenges. Within the media landscape, there is almost no time le...

We are living in an era of instant access, which offers both benefits and challenges. Within the media landscape, there is almost no time left for the kind of thoughtful consideration that provides real insight. The significant progress achieved by Aprilia this year has prompted many prominent figures to suggest that Ducati's recent supremacy may now be challenged by the Noale-based company - one that has found inMarco Bezzecchi the pillar that Jorge Martinwas unable to provide while suffering from an injury.

Nevertheless, a thorough analysis of the data from this season indicates that the stagnation of Ducati, frequently talked about in the paddock, is merely an illusion.

Ducati's performance this year did not match its outstanding 2024 season. However, last year was a historic achievement for the red motorcycles: 19 victories out of 20 possible (95%), 53 podium finishes in 60 races (88.3%), and a complete podium sweep in 14 grand prix events. Overall, Ducati earned 722 points out of a maximum of 740 - an incredible 98% success rate.

This time, the results are not quite as impressive, but they remain very close: 17 victories out of 22 races (77.3%), accomplished by four different riders. Additionally, there were 44 podium finishes out of 66 (66.6%), and seven grand prix events where three Ducati riders stood on the podium. Ultimately, the factory earned 768 points out of a possible 814, which equates to 94% of the maximum points available throughout the 2025 season.

The luxury of 2024 has faded, indeed, but the notion that the 2025 figures are much weaker remains uncertain. In fact, this season is still the second-highest in Ducati's history. Moreover, several elements have clearly influenced the minor decline.

Two of these elements are particularly notable: Ducati reduced the number of bikes they used from eight to six, andMarc Marquez- its leading rider - sustained a significant injury at the beginning of the Indonesian Grand Prix. Due to the damage to his already tired right arm, he was unable to participate in the last four races of the season. Whether it's a coincidence or not, three of Aprilia's four victories this year (Australia, Portugal, and Valencia) occurred during the time when Marquez was not competing.

It is also worth mentioning that prior to Australia — the first race Marquez missed — Ducati had secured victory in 16 out of the 18 events held, with the only exceptions being Silverstone, where Bezzecchi emerged victorious afterFabio QuartararoHis Yamaha engine failed, and Le Mans, where the rain helpedJohann Zarcoand his Honda presented an unexpected chance.

Furthermore, Pramac's exit—transitioning into Yamaha's satellite team—resulted in Ducati losing two Desmosedicis from the race grid, marking a 25% decrease in competitive strength. Not just any portion, but the defending world championship squad from 2024, which had secured three victories and 16 podium finishes thanks to Martin, who eventually claimed the title that year.

Aprilia, on its part, rose from one victory in 2024 (Maverick Vinalesto four this season - three from Bezzecchi and one fromRaul Fernandez(Australia). That single Texas win in 2024 was also the team's sole podium finish in what turned out to be a challenging year, while in 2025 Aprilia achieved the Prosecco 11 times. Its 302-point total from last year (41% of the maximum possible) has risen to 418 points (51.4%) - an increase of 10 percentage points.

The second-highest improvement among manufacturers, coming after Honda, is definitely something to be proud of. However, considering this automatically makes Aprilia a real challenge for Ducati is a conclusion that Bezzecchi himself does not agree with - at least not yet.

"We aim to be competitors of Ducati, but each year brings a fresh narrative, and nothing is guaranteed," Bezzecchi stated in Valencia, just before achieving his third victory on the same Sunday.

We should maintain this mindset of concentrating on our tasks. Ducati will begin as the favorite. Marc secured the championship with five races remaining, so two wins are not sufficient for me to feel on par with him.

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