Aprilia Racing has confirmed the extension of Italian rider Marco Bezzecchi’s contract through multiple years, marking the first significant move in the 2027 MotoGP season’s transfer period. This renewal, announced on Monday, secures Bezzecchi’s presence with the Noale-based team following an impressive 2025 season, supporting Aprilia’s ongoing ambitions in the championship.
A Unique Contract Celebrating Rider and Machine Partnership
The announcement stood out due to its playful presentation, likening Bezzecchi’s contract to a marriage between the rider and his RS-GP motorcycle, affectionately named Albarosa. This metaphor references Bezzecchi’s emotional moment at the final race of the 2025 season in Valencia, where he knelt before the bike to celebrate his last victory of the year. The team’s press release humorously detailed the terms of this bond, mentioning shared components, dedication to maintenance, and mutual loyalty between rider and machine.
The agreement covers key aspects such as shared parts, upgrades, tires, fuel, and performance bonuses, with Bezzecchi promising careful upkeep, while the motorcycle vows reliable power delivery, free from any “electronic jealousy” towards competitors. The pair will collaborate on race strategies, with the rider’s judgment taking priority, although the bike can signal protests through vibrations within traction control limits. The contract is intended to last indefinitely, contingent upon Bezzecchi’s desire to continue racing and the bike’s mechanical condition.
Driver and Team Leadership Express Optimism Over Renewal
Bezzecchi expressed his satisfaction with the extension, stating,
“I’m extremely happy to have renewed for another two years. From the first day I signed, I had the goal in mind of building a long-term project. I’m happy to have found the support of the entire team and the whole Noale factory. I hope I’ll be able to give them a lot of joy, as they most certainly will with me.”
Aprilia team CEO Massimo Rivola shared similar enthusiasm:
“We are obviously extremely satisfied, because the renewal was our priority. We wanted to celebrate the signing in a particularly fun way, which I believe goes perfectly well with Marco’s personality. We have built a path creating solid foundations, and the fact that Marco chose to stay with us, in spite of various other offers he received, gives us great pleasure and further highlights the work and spirit of this team.”
Bezzecchi’s Record-Breaking 2025 Season with Aprilia
Since joining Aprilia Racing in 2025, Bezzecchi has quickly risen as the team’s standout competitor, setting new milestones in the manufacturer’s MotoGP history. The 28-year-old accumulated three Grand Prix victories at Silverstone, Portimão, and Valencia, along with three Sprint race wins at Misano, Mandalika, and Phillip Island. His consistency earned him 15 podium finishes and five pole positions across events including Austria, Misano, Mandalika, Portimão, and Valencia.
These accomplishments propelled Bezzecchi to third place in the riders’ standings with 353 points, marking a significant breakthrough for Aprilia and reinforcing their competitiveness in the highest tier of motorcycle racing.
Implications for Aprilia’s Future in MotoGP
As various riders face contract uncertainties and potential moves in the evolving MotoGP market, Bezzecchi’s extension offers Aprilia a measure of stability and a clear leader heading into upcoming seasons. His combination of speed, consistency, and connection with fans positions him as a foundational figure for the Noale factory’s racing strategy. This renewal signals Aprilia’s intent to challenge for championships and maintain their presence among the sport’s elite teams.
