Marco Bezzecchi
Aprilia are now in the market for a new rider, as Jorge Martin is in talks to join Yamaha in 2027, but Francesco Bagnaia of Ducati is unlikely to be the Spaniard’s replacement.
It was always expected that the 2027 MotoGP rider market would kick off early, as just three riders entered 2026 with contracts beyond the end of this year. Honda have LCR duo Johann Zarco and Diogo Moreira tied up, and Yamaha have Pramac pilot Toprak Razgatlioglu tied up.
The dominoes are already starting to fall thanks to Ducati, Honda and Yamaha, as well. Marc Marquez is set to sign a new two-year contract at Ducati, and KTM rider Pedro Acosta is set to sign a two-year Ducati deal to secure a Desmosedici for the 2027 MotoGP regulations era.
It is also said that Fabio Quartararo has agreed to join Honda in 2027 as he has lost patience with Yamaha, who are wasting no time to sign a replacement. Martin is in advanced talks to join Yamaha from Aprilia, and is keen to sign a two-year deal before the 2026 season begins.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, the Aprilia rider line-up will be…
Aprilia mark Enea Bastianini as their ‘priority’ after Francesco Bagnaia ignored their approach
CEO Massimo Rivola confirmed that Aprilia were open to offering Martin a new contract to stay in Noale beyond the end of his current deal, which expires in 2026. But Aprilia wanted to wait and see how Martin performed once fully fit after his injury-plagued season in 2025.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Enea Bastianini from net worth to career stats
Now, Rivola is seeking a new teammate for Marco Bezzecchi, who is expected to sign a new contract to stay at Aprilia in 2027. And Motorsport.com reports that Aprilia have identified KTM Tech3 star Enea Bastianini as their ‘priority’ target to replace Martin in the 2027 term.
Aprilia approached the representatives of Ducati rider Bagnaia to see whether the 2022 and 2023 MotoGP champion would be open to a move to Noale, with Acosta set to take his ride. But Bagnaia’s camp did not reply to Aprilia, so they have set their sights on hiring Bastianini.
Gresini rider Alex Marquez is another option on Aprilia’s shortlist for 2027, but the 29-year-old is not prioritising a move to Noale. Marquez wants to join Yamaha or failing that KTM in 2027 above all, as the Spaniard is determined to join a factory team and get a bigger wage.
KTM Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini shares Yamaha’s interest in a 2027 move
Finish the sentence: Aprilia will win ___ Grands Prix in 2026
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Aprilia do not have the finances to rival Yamaha’s budget, so Rivola wants to see whether a move to Noale would appeal to Bastianini ahead of his factory KTM contract expiring at the end of 2026. The 28-year-old has frequently emerged as a target for Aprilia in recent years.
But Aprilia may have to rival Pramac to sign Bastianini for 2027, as Yamaha and their satellite team have also set their sights on the Italian. Bastianini even shares Yamaha’s interest, as he is keen to ride the Japanese brand’s bike from the start of the 850cc regulations era in 2027.
Martin’s move to the factory Yamaha team for the 2027 season may not stop Bastianini from also joining Pramac. Aprilia will hope their improved form during the 2025 season and belief that Bezzecchi can fight for the title in 2026 is enough to persuade Bastianini to join in 2027.
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