Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola confirmed the manufacturer has several contingencies as it searches for a teammate for Marco Bezzecchi for the 2027 MotoGP season. The Italian marque secured Bezzecchi on a new two-year contract earlier this year, making him their primary focus for next season.
After finishing second in last year’s manufacturers’ championship, Aprilia has become an attractive destination for riders heading into 2027. The expected vacancy alongside Bezzecchi is due to Jorge Martin, the 2024 world champion, who is reportedly eyeing a move to Yamaha. Rivola acknowledged plans beyond retaining Martin, emphasizing various fallback options in place.
Rivola Discusses Rider Priorities and Market Prospects
Speaking to the official MotoGP website, Rivola stated,
“Marco was our priority, and it’s good that we fixed priority number one,”
highlighting Bezzecchi’s commitment and value to the team. He added that with Bezzecchi confirmed, Aprilia can now carefully explore other candidates for the second seat.
Rivola also remarked on the talent of Jorge Martin, saying,
“For sure, we didn’t see Jorge’s talent yet.”
He stressed Aprilia’s readiness with multiple plans, stating,
“Aprilia never sleeps, so there are plans B, plans C and D.”
He suggested that demonstrating competitive bikes could simplify securing a strong second rider, explaining,
“If we can show that we can do fast bikes, maybe plan B is easier than plan Z.”
Potential Candidates and Market Developments
Throughout the winter, several notable riders have been linked to Aprilia’s 2027 lineup. Fabio Quartararo, the 2021 world champion, was briefly reported to be joining Honda, although Quartararo denied finalizing any agreement while confirming ongoing discussions, including with Honda.
Another prominent name is Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, who hinted at exciting opportunities during the Sepang test and appears to be moving away from Ducati. Industry reports suggest Ducati’s factory riders for 2027 will be Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta, leaving Bagnaia to seek new options.
What Lies Ahead for Aprilia and the 2027 Season
With a firm commitment to Bezzecchi, Aprilia is strategically positioning itself to field a competitive two-rider team in 2027. The manufacturer’s ability to attract top talent amid a shifting market will be crucial as rival teams also finalize their lineups. Aprilia’s multiple contingency plans indicate cautious optimism as it navigates the transfer market ahead of the next MotoGP season.
