The weekend at Le Mans started on a positive note for Ducati for several reasons. The factory from Borgo Panigale arrived after securing its first win of the season and interrupting Aprilia’s winning streak in MotoGP. Moreover, they faced a track that had been a strong ally for the Desmosedici over the past five years. Apart from a rain-affected 2025 that completely altered the scenario, the Italian bike had claimed victory at the French circuit for the previous five years, with both the official team and its three satellite teams (Pramac, VR46, and Gresini). So they were looking for a successor to Jorge Martín’s last win, but the Spaniard took the victory to the other side.
At Borgo Panigale, they referred to the partnership between Le Mans and Ducati as “the perfect pair.” “History shows it: the French GP is Desmosedici territory. From the official team to the satellites, everyone knows how to make the red bike fly here,” they said. But on this occasion, Martín did it with an RS-GP, alongside which he stepped onto the highest podium step for the first time in 588 days. Coincidentally, the French track was also the last time the Madrid-born rider had scored maximum points in a Grand Prix. This victory also allowed Aprilia to make history in MotoGP. For the first time, the Noale factory completely dominated the podium, with Marco Bezzecchi and Ai Ogura joining the 2024 champion.
“It’s been a historic day, with three Aprilia bikes on the podium for the first time. It’s especially emotional to see Jorge (Martín) so strong here at Le Mans, where exactly a year ago we thought he might leave us. And it’s fantastic to see Marco (Bezzecchi) so competitive and mature. Also, seeing Ai (Ogura, riding the Trackhouse bike) on the podium is a relief after what happened in Austin,” celebrated Massimo Rivola, CEO of the Italian manufacturer, who unknowingly had much more to celebrate. The RS-GP not only consolidated its early-season dominance by monopolizing the podium but also continues to set records that highlight its great form.
Aprilia also increased its tally of 1-2 finishes in the premier class for the official team at Le Mans. With Martín and Bezzecchi taking the top two positions, the count rose to four (previously achieved at Montmeló 2023, Brazil 2026, and Austin 2026). The presence of the RS-GP on the podium also extended the streak to seven consecutive podiums in the premier class. In total, Noale has now accumulated 306 World Championship victories and leads all the championships in play: riders, teams, and constructors, with a comfortable margin. “The racing division in Noale is doing truly extraordinary work, and I think this is the recognition a hardworking team deserves, admirably led by Fabiano Sterlacchini,” highlighted Rivola, who has reasons to dream.
