Francesco Bagnaia has inked a four‑year deal with Aprilia, securing his MotoGP seat for the 2027 season.
The Italian champion will replace Jorge Martin, who is slated to move to Yamaha in 2027, giving Aprilia a fully Italian lineup alongside Marco Bezzecchi, who has already committed to the team for the long term.
Massimo Rivola explains the pick
In a recent interview, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola said the decision was driven by Bagnaia’s experience and ambition. “Having a multiple world champion in the squad is a rare offer that we wanted to leverage,” he said, adding that Bagnaia’s daily training with Bezzecchi shows the trust he places in the team.
Rivola added that the presence of two elite Italians on a black machine would be a point of national pride and a strong motivator for both riders.
Training alliance and brand loyalty
Both Bagnaia and Bezzecchi are graduates of the VR46 academy, a fact that has helped them remain a cohesive pair. They will continue training together while defending the same brassard and racing in the premier class as teammates.
“If the team can bring Marco to such a high level, then it is confident it can lift Pecco as well,” Rivola noted, citing Bezzecchi’s consistent rise as evidence of Aprilia’s capability.
Aprilia’s track record with riders
The company has paired top‑tier riders before, notably with Mason Marin? Actually, the example given was Maverick Vinales, who went from a struggling stint at Yamaha to stunning victory at Austin after joining a new team. “It is a proof of concept that a skilled rider can rediscover form with the right support,” Rivola said.
He also highlighted the situation with Jorge Martin, who had a rough spell at Aprilia but managed a triumphant comeback at the French GP, reestablishing himself as a contender for the championship.
Challenges ahead
While past successes give confidence, Rivola warned that sustaining performance will be demanding. “We’ve brough the most successful riders onto our platform, but the real test is sustaining that growth,” he cautioned.
Aprilia will need to fine‑tune its machine and strategy to accommodate a rider of Bagnaia’s calibre, ensuring both teammates can compete for the title.
The partnership underscores Aprilia’s willingness to invest in talent that can carry its brand to the front of the grid.
With both Bagnaia and Bezzecchi on board, Aprilia’s 2027 campaign promises to be a case study in pairing proven champions with a factory that has a track record of turning potential into podiums.
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