Marco Bezzecchi
On the first day of MotoGP’s 2026 Sepang shakedown, headlines were dominated by the bombshells that were dropped on the rider market for the 2027 campaign.
The first shocking twist of events came when it was announced that Fabio Quartararo was finalising a deal to sign for Honda ahead of MotoGP’s new era of regulations.
Yamaha then immediately fired back, with reports that Jorge Martin was also finalising an agreement to replace Quartararo at the Japanese constructor.
Official confirmation from both teams is yet to come, but it has sent the MotoGP rider market into a spiral that not many saw coming.
It now means that there will be a seat free at the factory Aprilia outfit, and Francesco Bagnaia might have found his landing spot if he is given the boot from Ducati.
Who do you want as Jorge Martin’s 2027 Yamaha teammate?
Alberto Vergani advises Francesco Bagnaia to ‘focus on’ securing Aprilia seat for 2027
During an interview with GPOne, renowned MotoGP rider agent Alberto Vergani was asked for his thoughts on the rider market following the breaking news regarding Quartararo and Martin.
The Italian urges his compatriot to make a claim for Martin’s soon-to-be-vacant seat at Aprilia, explaining, “I advise Pecco to focus on Aprilia, because it would be the right environment for him.
“There are no tensions, there is a lot of harmony, and the project is ambitious, as Bezzecchi demonstrated in his first year with the RS-GP.
“I think [Massimo] Rivola has done a great job, and Pecco would be the icing on the cake.”
Vergani then went on to highlight another rider currently on the grid who could be a good alternative to Bagnaia, if he opts to find a seat elsewhere, adding, “Bastianini could be considered.
“Enea is a strong rider and has already demonstrated his potential in the past.”
Rivola has recently hinted at some interest in the 29-year-old’s services, telling journalists at Aprilia’s 2026 season launch event that Bagnaia is ‘tempting to everyone’.
It is also understood that the two-time world champion isn’t interested in a satellite move, so a factory ride at Noale could be the best possible landing spot for him.
- READ MORE: Marco Melandri outlines the ‘problem’ Francesco Bagnaia caused at Marc Marquez’s first Ducati test
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Alberto Vergani pinpoints VR46 as another good option for Francesco Bagnaia
Despite Bagnaia not showing an interest in taking up a seat at a factory team, his unique connection to Valentino Rossi could see him settle for a spot at the Italian icon’s VR46 Racing outfit.
Vergani sees it as quite possible, continuing in his interview with GPOne, “I think that a structure like Valentino’s could be, in some ways, a familiar environment for Pecco.
“He would also remain within the Ducati orbit, already knowing the project for 2027 and without Marquez on the other side of the garage.
“Let’s not forget Bagnaia’s value and the results he has achieved over time. In my opinion, however, Aprilia remains the best option.”
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