Francesco Bagnaia Begins 2027 at Aprilia
Francesco Bagnaia will join Aprilia Racing in 2027, signing a four‑year contract that replaces outgoing Jorge Martin as part of the brand’s all‑Italian twin‑man power‑team.
The former Ducati rider is set to pilot the Noale‑manufactured bike, pairing with Marco Bezzecchi who has already been announced as the team’s 2027 partner.
Bagnaia’s 2027 Move Amid MotoGP’s 850cc Shift
Bagnaia’s switch comes just before the 2027 season, when MotoGP will step up to the new 850cc power‑train. Aprilia’s decision marks a key strategic shift for the Italian marque.
The move follows Ducati’s announcement that Pedro Acosta will take Bagnaia’s place, a change that has finally been confirmed by both sides.
From Ducati Lifeline to Aprilia Champion?
Having helped Ducati secure riders’ titles in 2022 and 2023, Bagnaia’s 2025 season was the lowest point of his recent career, keeping him in fifth place behind Marc Marquez.
Despite six retirements in the last seven races, the twice‑world champion has shown improvement in 2026, scoring podiums at four consecutive Grands Prix and capturing his first sprint win at Brno.
Bagnaia’s consistency now places him just eight points behind Bezzecchi in the 2026 standings, indicating the status of a hard‑fought showdown.
April Line‑Up and Shifting Partnerships
Jorge Martin, who will move to Yamaha in 2027, had a challenging first season with Aprilia in 2025, suffering four injuries before rallying to challenge for the title.
Martin’s departure opens a home slot for Bagnaia, as the team finalises its Italian‑only concept for the next cycle.
Chairman Massimo Rivola on Italian Pride
April Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said that the selection of Bezzecchi and Bagnaia was driven “by a vision of supporting Italy,” calling Italian sporting achievements a boon for the brand.
Rivola noted successes beyond MotoGP, highlighting Formula One’s Kimi Antonelli, tennis’s Jannik Sinner and the upcoming 2026 Olympics hero Federica Brignone.
Rivola concluded that namely, the arrival of a multiple world champion represents a “responsibility we can’t wait to take on.”
Looking Ahead: What 2027 Holds for Bagnaia and Aprilia
Bagnaia’s fresh contract and renewed technical partnership will test the 850cc power‑train’s performance levels, while Aprilia will aim to assert itself as a dominant force in the newly structured grid.
The former Ducati hero is now poised to bring his racecraft and build momentum against a field that includes rivals like Acosta, who will deliver a fresh challenge for a Ducati‑made champion.
With the Italian crew deep inside its gearbox, Aprilia may become the focal point for late‑season championship battles, should Bagnaia and Bezzecchi keep pace with their competitors.
"