Enea Bastianini faces limited choices for his 2026 MotoGP team if he decides to leave KTM, according to reports from Italy. His future depends heavily on the movements of rival riders and developments within several teams.
Potential 2026 Destinations for Bastianini Amid Uncertainties
Bastianini, who joined Tech3 KTM after losing his factory Ducati position, has had a challenging 2025 season, with his best finish being seventh place at the Circuit of the Americas. His performance at Silverstone was notably disappointing, marked as the worst weekend of his career so far.
According to Sky Italia, Bastianini’s main options if he leaves KTM are Pramac Yamaha or the Aprilia factory team. However, his chances hinge on decisions involving other riders. Notably, Toprak Razgatlioglu appears close to signing with Pramac Yamaha, which currently supports Jack Miller and Miguel Oliveira, both aiming to secure their seats through strong results.
Miller, for example, emphasized that performance on track would determine his 2026 contract, finishing seventh at Silverstone shortly after stating this. Meanwhile, Bastianini awaits Pramac’s choices regarding their current riders and also monitors KTM’s plans closely. Despite Bajaj Auto’s substantial £674 million investment helping KTM’s finances, the maker’s racing program for upcoming seasons remains uncertain.
Aprilia Situation and Impact on Bastianini’s Prospects
Bastianini’s fate is also tied to Jorge Martin’s decision at Aprilia, where Martin has publicly expressed a desire to leave the team in 2026. Martin’s potential departure is particularly relevant since Marco Bezzecchi’s recent British MotoGP victory has highlighted the competitiveness of the Aprilia RS-GP machine.
Despite this, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has indicated efforts will be made to resolve issues with Martin, making Bastianini’s opportunity there unclear. His exit from KTM is not guaranteed, and he is not currently considered a central figure in the transfer market.
When Bastianini signed with Tech3 KTM, his contract was described as multi-year. After an impressive 2022 season where he won the second-most races behind champion Pecco Bagnaia, the rider has struggled to adapt fully to KTM’s setup, culminating in a very poor weekend at Silverstone.
Looking Ahead for Bastianini’s Career Path
The complexity of Bastianini’s 2026 team options underscores the broader uncertainty in MotoGP rider placements. His ability to secure a place with a competitive outfit will depend on rival riders’ moves and final decisions by teams like Pramac Yamaha, KTM, and Aprilia. How these situations evolve will be crucial in shaping his career trajectory in the coming seasons.
