A solution that recalls F1 from 16 years ago
The challenge of technological innovations between Ducati and Aprilia in MotoGP continues, and the latest ‘point’ seems to have been scored by the Noale-based manufacturer. As revealed by an interesting shot of the RS-GP26 published by MotoGP’s social channels and as explained extensively in an interesting article written by Simon Patterson on the website The Race, Aprilia has in fact launched a new and ingenious solution that closely resembles the famous F-Duct used in Formula 1 by the McLaren MP4-25 in the 2010 season, which from the following year gave rise to the introduction of the rear movable wing, the DRS, into the technical regulations of the Circus, which then retired at the end of 2025.
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Some major aero innovations in Aprilia 🔎#ThaiGP 🇹🇭 pic.twitter.com/0SI9Cdud9H
— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) February 27, 2026
The operation of the two devices is very similar: the MP4-25 had an air intake on the nose that channeled air through the car’s cockpit to the rear wing. By manually plugging a hole in the duct, drivers were able to divert the airflow towards the rear wing, creating additional pressure under the wing, thus helping to reduce aerodynamic drag.
No violation of the regulations
Aprilia on the RS-GP26 has introduced two specific air intakes on the upper part of the fairing that can be covered by the riders’ forearms when they are in the classic aerodynamic position, ‘crouched’ on the bike. Therefore – and this is a crucial element – there does not seem to be any safety issue related to the use of this device.
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This measure also allows for not violating the MotoGP technical regulations, according to which “any part of the aerodynamic body of the motorcycle must be fixed so that no active or passive adjustment is possible“. The goal of this ingenious solution is to reduce the bike’s drag to increase top speed. Seeing the first results of FP1 and pre-qualifying, the goal (naturally not only thanks to this motorcycle version of the ‘F-Duct’) seems to have been achieved.
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