With almost every contract in the MotoGP paddock expiring at the end of 2026, rival teams have begun aggressively targeting Aprilia’s key riders, Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin, for the 2027 season. Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola has confirmed that competing teams are making substantial financial offers to secure their services, intensifying the negotiations across the grid as teams prepare for the new era.
Contract Market Opens Wide as Season Ends
The 2026 season will mark the conclusion of the vast majority of MotoGP rider agreements, leaving only a handful of competitors under contract through 2027. This situation creates a highly competitive environment, especially since all factory team riders are effectively available, prompting a swift and active transfer market. The upcoming regulatory overhaul for 2027 has added layers of unpredictability regarding team performance, yet Aprilia’s recent success positions them as a strong contender amid these changes.
Aprilia’s Strategy Centered on Retaining Bezzecchi and Martin
Following Aprilia’s most successful season in 2025, where Marco Bezzecchi won three grands prix and finished third overall, Rivola has been clear about his intent to secure Bezzecchi’s future with the team. Speaking at the Aprilia launch event held in Milan, he revealed that contract talks have already started with Bezzecchi, signaling Aprilia’s commitment to preserving their competitive core.
In contrast, discussions with Jorge Martin have not commenced, partly due to Martin’s current physical condition and recovery status.
“I would love to see him 100% physically, and he is far away from being that,”
Rivola stated. The Aprilia CEO acknowledged Martin’s stature as a 2024 world champion and expressed hesitation to rush negotiations, emphasizing the priority is delivering a top-tier motorcycle.
External Offers and the Pressure to Expedite Deals
Rivola admitted that rival teams are moving quickly in their attempts to sign Aprilia’s riders, explaining,
“Honestly, I would not prefer to do it quickly, but maybe I’m forced to do it quickly because the others are moving quite fast.”
He also highlighted the attractiveness of the financial packages being presented,
“I know that they are offering a lot of money to our riders.”
Despite the rush from competitors, Rivola stressed the importance of solid commitments between Aprilia and their riders rather than hurried agreements. On Bezzecchi, he commented,
“Clearly, with Marco, we’ve started to build something that could stay in the books.”
Jorge Martin’s Future Remains Uncertain Amid Honda Interest
Martin’s contract situation has drawn particular attention as he has reportedly considered invoking a performance clause to explore alternative options. Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) sees Martin as a prime candidate for their lineup, especially given his recent world championship status. With talks yet to begin between Martin and Aprilia, his eventual decision will be closely watched by fans and teams alike.
The Road Ahead for MotoGP’s 2027 Season
The rapidly evolving rider market and significant regulatory reforms set the stage for a transformative 2027 MotoGP campaign. The movements of riders like Bezzecchi and Martin will not only shape Aprilia’s future but could also shift the competitive balance across the grid. As contract negotiations unfold amid substantial financial incentives, Aprilia’s approach to securing its talents will be critical in maintaining the momentum built during their best season yet.
