Aprilia announced on Thursday that three‑time MotoGP world champion Francesco Bagnaia will join the factory team on a four‑year contract, set to start next season. The signing replaces Jorge Martin, who is expected to move to Yamaha in 2027.
Bagnaia’s arrival will give Aprilia an all‑Italian line‑up for 2027, as Marco Bezzecchi has already secured a long‑term deal with the squad. Team boss Massimo Rivola remarked that he "prefers working with horses than donkeys," a comment that underscores his confidence in the new partnership.
The move strengthens Aprilia’s rider strategy ahead of the 2024 MotoGP campaign and signals a shift toward a cohesive Italian team. Observers will watch how Bagnaia adapts to the Aprilia bike and whether the all‑Italian roster can translate into podium finishes in the coming seasons.
