Marco Bezzecchi still 'fastest on Aprilia' despite MotoGP struggles: Pecco Bagnaia fires up title fight

Marco Bezzecchi is still the fastest Aprilia rider on the grid, insists two-time MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia, despite the Italian’s recent run of bad luck.

Bagnaia, eighth in the standings after a tough stretch, pointed to Bezzecchi’s raw pace as proof that Ducati’s mid-season inconsistency can be overcome. The Aprilia rider has scored zero points in his last four races after crashes, injury and a one-race ban for an altercation with a marshal.

What happened to Marco Bezzecchi?

Bezzecchi led the championship early this season but now sits fourth, 65 points behind leader Jorge Martin. His last four finishes read: DNF in the Netherlands, sixth in Germany, 12th in Italy and 13th in Catalunya: all after a strong start that included two wins and a sprint victory.

The slump began after a high-speed crash in the wet at Assen. Then came a one-race ban for shoving a track marshal at Mugello. A persistent left-hand injury flared up again in Germany. All three blows struck in quick succession.

Why Pecco Bagnaia still backs Marco Bezzecchi

Bagnaia spoke to Sky Italia after his own surgery on 15 July 2026. He said: *“Bezzecchi is pushing hard and has had bad luck, but for me he is still the fastest on Aprilia.”*

The Ducati duo of Bagnaia and Marc Márquez have alternated results all year. One Ducati rider shines one race, another the next. Aprilia, by contrast, have been the most consistent bike in the field.

Bagnaia added: *“Marc is very strong, but we’re not as consistent as Aprilia. We’re working on it, and I think the second half will be more consistent.”*

How Bezzecchi’s season turned

Bezzecchi’s 2026 campaign started with a statement: he won the season opener in Qatar and led the title chase through the first six rounds. Then came the triple punch of crashes, injury and the marshal ban.

His satellite teammate Ai Ogura leapfrogged him into second in the standings after Bezzecchi’s slide. Even so, Bagnaia insists the Italian’s raw speed remains untouched.

What’s next for Marco Bezzecchi

Bagnaia teased a return to form at Silverstone on 4 August 2026. *“Asked when we’ll see the best Pecco return, he gave a cheeky warning: ‘In Silverstone.’”*

Bezzecchi will miss at least one more race while recovering from forearm surgery. A Ducati statement confirmed the procedure on 15 July 2026 at Policlinico di Modena. Rehab starts now, with the team hoping for a swift return.

The British GP looms as the first real test of who has gained ground during the summer break. Bezzecchi’s next chance to prove he’s still the Aprilia to beat arrives on home soil at Misano on 8 September 2026.