Bezzecchi Tested New Aprilia Aero Tail Unit
Marco Bezzecchi evaluated an experimental tail design featuring two additional flaps at the Red Bull Ring.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Motorsports
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Aprilia rider Marco Bezzecchi has tested a new aerodynamic tail unit on his RS-GP bike at the Red Bull Ring. The component features two curved flaps designed to improve downforce and airflow efficiency.
Why it matters
The development represents a strategic effort by Aprilia to bolster its championship competitiveness against rival Ducati rider Marc Marquez. Improving the aerodynamic profile of the RS-GP is central to the team's ongoing performance gains.
The new tail unit incorporates two additional flaps to optimize rear-wing airflow. Aprilia is currently balancing RS-GP26 refinements with a separate development project for the upcoming 850cc ruleset.
The players
Marco Bezzecchi
He is an Aprilia professional motorcycle racer currently holding third place in the riders' standings.
Jorge Martin
He is a championship-contending rider who leads the current standings.
Marc Marquez
He is a prominent Ducati rider who sits second in the current riders' standings.
Lorenzo Savadori
He serves as a dedicated test rider for the Aprilia team during technical evaluation sessions.
The details
The experimental tail unit uses two curved flaps to assist the rear-wing assembly in cleaning up airflow. Bezzecchi conducted the evaluation alongside test rider Lorenzo Savadori as the team prepares the design for future integration.
Timeline
The tail unit testing occurred prior to the September 29, 2026, report.
Roadmap
This aerodynamic testing occurs as Aprilia balances the immediate need for downforce gains with the long-term engineering shift toward the 850cc ruleset project. The team remains focused on closing the technical gap to rival manufacturers while maintaining the current RS-GP26 platform.
With Bezzecchi 42 points back and Jorge Martin leading Marc Marquez by 12 points, any aerodynamic gain directly impacts Aprilia's ability to influence the closing races of the season. Future assessments by Martin could determine if this tail unit becomes a standard fixture for the remainder of the schedule.
The takeaway
Aerodynamic testing serves as a vital component in modern motorcycle development as teams push for incremental gains in downforce and airflow control. These refinements highlight the ongoing battle to optimize bike performance across varying track conditions.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in Motorsports to understand the technical evolution of the current season.
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