Francesco Bagnaia is expected to leave Ducati and join Aprilia for the 2027 MotoGP season, reportedly signing a four-year contract with the Noale-based team. This move comes amid reports that Pedro Acosta will be heading to Ducati for the same season, positioning Bagnaia as a key addition to Aprilia’s roster. The veteran Italian rider faced a decision between Yamaha and Aprilia, but Yamaha’s underwhelming pre-season performance reportedly influenced his choice. Although no official announcements have been made, this transfer would mark the end of a highly successful relationship between Ducati and Bagnaia.
Bagnaia declined a significant pay cut offered by Ducati to stay with the team, reflecting his confidence in his abilities despite difficulties experienced last season. At 29 years old, the rider clearly values his worth and is prepared to move on if not adequately recognized by his current team.
Sylvain Guintoli Sees Bagnaia as Final Element of Aprilia’s Dream Team
Former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli recently shared his insights about the shifting rider market during a Gas It Out podcast episode. He expressed some frustration with the trend of teams finalizing contracts more than a year in advance, suggesting that delayed announcements would generate more excitement during the season.
I think it would build a lot of excitement, and give us a lot of stuff to talk about as well in that first half of the season, if we didn’t have the signings. But unfortunately, that’s going to fall in place very quickly.
?Sylvain Guintoli, Former MotoGP Rider
Guintoli then commented on the prospect of Bagnaia joining Aprilia, stressing his enthusiasm for what this means for the Italian manufacturer’s competitive edge. He described the potential lineup including Bagnaia and Luca Bezzecchi as a kind of Italian dream team, highlighting the strong synergy the team could develop.
I’m very excited to see Pecco Bagnaia on the Aprilia, obviously, with how the Aprilia team is performing at the moment. I think it’ll be an Italian dream team at Aprilia with Bezzecchi.
?Sylvain Guintoli, Former MotoGP Rider
Bezzecchi, who is part of the VR46 Riders’ Academy alongside Bagnaia, has previously noted that partnering again with his teammate at Aprilia would be “cool.” This connection further emphasizes the team’s strong potential for future success.
Aprilia’s Rising Competitiveness and Rivola’s Comments on Bagnaia
Aprilia showed impressive form in the latter part of last season, confirming its position as a strong contender against Ducati’s longstanding dominance. During the previous MotoGP campaign, Bezzecchi carried much of the team’s success alone, but with healthy team members and new signings, Aprilia could challenge more effectively. Jorge Martin’s injury troubles in 2025 highlighted the importance of a fully fit team for consistent performance.
Massimo Rivola, Aprilia’s team principal, remarked on the signing dynamics surrounding Acosta’s move to Ducati and Bagnaia’s availability, describing the situation between the teams as a “match made in heaven.” Rivola also acknowledged that despite losing Bagnaia to another brand, the Italian rider remains highly sought after.
Though it is uncertain whether Rivola’s comments were made before or after negotiations with Bagnaia’s team began, the eventual partnership between Bagnaia and Aprilia promises to be formidable and could reshape competitive landscapes.
The Broader Impact of Bagnaia’s Move to Aprilia
Bagnaia’s decision to join Aprilia marks a significant shift in MotoGP’s rider and team dynamics. His move reunites him with a fellow VR46 Riders’ Academy member in Bezzecchi, potentially creating one of the sport’s most exciting Italian lineups. Aprilia’s ongoing improvement suggests the team aims to challenge top contenders and disrupt Ducati’s dominance.
This transition highlights the evolving nature of MotoGP’s factory teams, reflecting changing ambitions and strategies as riders seek environments that better match their aspirations and worth. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how Aprilia capitalizes on this new dream team and how Ducati adapts to the loss of one of its most accomplished riders.
