Neil Hodgson has expressed skepticism about the rumored four-year contract between Francesco Bagnaia and Aprilia. This speculation arose amid rising reports about Bagnaia’s next steps after the Buriram MotoGP test and just before the 2026 season began. The two-time MotoGP champion, previously expected to join Yamaha in 2027, appears to have chosen a different direction by reportedly agreeing to a long-term deal with Aprilia.
With Ducati seemingly preparing to replace Bagnaia with Pedro Acosta, the Italian rider’s move to Aprilia would mark a significant change. This agreement would also see Bagnaia team up with Marco Bezzecchi, who has already renewed his contract with Aprilia for the 2027 and 2028 seasons, making them teammates for the first time in their premier class careers.
Concerns Over Aprilia’s Decision to Offer a Four-Year Commitment
The length of Bagnaia’s potential contract has surprised many in the MotoGP community because it mirrors the four-year deal Marc Marquez once signed with Honda, which ultimately failed to meet expectations. Bagnaia faced difficulties during the 2025 season riding Ducati’s factory GP25 bike, finishing fifth in the championship. After this underwhelming performance, he reportedly lost his position with Ducati, prompting him to look for new opportunities.
Despite Aprilia’s strong current form making their team an attractive option, Hodgson publicly questioned the rationale behind a lengthy contract. Speaking during TNT Sports coverage of the Thai Grand Prix, he remarked,
“Pecco to Aprilia, and according to Gav, this is what he has heard from the Italians: it is a four-year deal. I have only ever heard of one other four-year deal, and that didn’t work out, as that is when Marc Marquez signed the four-year deal with Honda.”
Julien Guintoli added,
“On the other hand, Aprilia, with the form they are in, they are very attractive at the moment and if he is not on the Ducati anymore…”
To which Hodgson countered,
“No, but if you were Aprilia, why would you want to sign Pecco for four years?”
Bagnaia’s Early Struggles at the Beginning of the 2026 Season
The opening round of the 2026 MotoGP season took place on February 27th at the Buriram International Circuit in Thailand. During the afternoon practice session, it was Aprilia’s Marco Bezzecchi who led the field, securing a place in Q2 for Saturday. Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia had a less impressive performance, finishing 15th on the Ducati GP26, more than a second behind Bezzecchi’s top time.
This gap in speed and position has fueled doubts about whether Aprilia’s commitment to Bagnaia on such a long-term deal is justified. His current form contrasts sharply with Bezzecchi’s and suggests that Bagnaia may face challenges adapting to a new team and bike in the upcoming seasons.
What This Means for Bagnaia and Aprilia’s Future
The reported four-year contract, if confirmed, represents a bold move by Bagnaia and Aprilia. While Aprilia’s current momentum makes them an enticing option, the length and timing of the agreement raise questions within the MotoGP community, especially considering Bagnaia’s recent performances. The situation recalls Marc Marquez’s similar long-term deal, which did not yield the anticipated success.
Going forward, the effectiveness of this partnership will depend heavily on Bagnaia’s ability to regain competitive form and how Aprilia manages the rider’s transition. With Bezzecchi already secured through 2028, the dynamic between the two teammates could shape Aprilia’s strategy for the next several seasons. Fans and analysts alike will be watching the next races closely to see whether this deal proves advantageous or problematic for both parties.
