APRILIA UNVEILS ALL-WHITE VESPA TRIBUTE LIVERY FOR MISANO INSPIRED BY GILLES VILLENEUVE

Aprilia has unveiled a special “Perla Bianca” MotoGP livery for Sunday’s San Marino Grand Prix at Misano, created to celebrate 80 years of Vespa and inspired by Formula 1 icon Gilles Villeneuve.

The factory RS-GP bikes of polesitter Marco Bezzecchi and championship leader Jorge Martin will run the all-white design at the home race. Aprilia says the concept draws from the white racing suit Villeneuve wore to victory at the 1981 Monaco Grand Prix, a suit that also featured the Piaggio Vespa logo. Villeneuve, the late Canadian, died in a crash in Belgium in 1982.

Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola explained why the team chose to link its MotoGP weekend with the Vespa milestone and Villeneuve’s legacy. “In the 80 years of Vespa, an icon which has come through generations, and which still today represents a symbol recognised the world over, we would have been remiss not to celebrate the bond with Gilles Villeneuve, one of the most beloved drivers in Formula 1 history,” Rivola said. He added that Villeneuve’s ability to win over fans through his talent and racing style mirrors how Vespa has attracted generations. “Bringing that memory back to Misano for our home race is a way of celebrating two icons which – although belonging to different worlds – left a deep mark on history and the collective imaginary of millions of people.”

Rivola also pointed to a timing coincidence with Formula 1, noting that the F1 Grand Prix of Madrid is being held this weekend. He referenced Villeneuve’s last win in 1981 and tied it to the year of the racing suit Aprilia chose to reinterpret. “Precisely in Jarama in 1981, Gilles took his last victory, the same year of the racing suit that we chose to re-interpret.”

The GV27 heritage brand, which is associated with the Villeneuve name, added further detail about the tribute. It said Aprilia’s design work includes elements ranging from “the historic Vespa logo” to “Gilles’ signature on the front screen,” along with a new team livery. “From the historic Vespa logo to Gilles’ signature on the front screen and new team livery, Aprilia Racing has created a breathtaking tribute,” GV27 said, concluding: “We are honoured to celebrate Vespa’s 80th anniversary milestone together.”

On track, the livery arrives with Bezzecchi in a strong position for Sunday’s race. He will start from pole after setting the lap record in qualifying. The report also highlighted his Saturday sprint performance, where he finished second after Marc Marquez jumped him into Turn 1 on the opening lap.

Martin, meanwhile, heads into the Grand Prix as championship leader. The report states he leads by 14 points after finishing third in the sprint, with Bezzecchi a further 22 points behind in third place in the standings.