A profoundly revised frame, with a new rear fork with double triangulation and big changes in the rear suspension, an engine with digital electronic ignition, allowed the AF1 to return to the top.

After a few problems with reliability in the first races, Reggiani took second place at Salzburg and Rijeka.

Victory was in the air, at Donington Loris was held back because his suit was to tight (!), while at Anderstop his engine seized up in the last laps. The great day came on 30th August at Misano: Reggiani and Aprilia had an 8 second advantage over Cadalora's Yamaha; the last time an Italian bike and rider had won in the 250cc class was back in '79, with Graziano Rossi on a Morbidelli.