Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia may already have lost his Ducati MotoGP seat for the 2027 season. Pedro Acosta has reportedly signed for the world champions.
Acosta’s move to Ducati hasn’t been confirmed yet, but it looks as if Bagnaia will need to find a new home despite winning two world championships in red.
Speaking to Motosprint, MotoGP legend Jorge Lorenzo said Ducati’s move highlights the ruthless nature of the sport.
Have Ducati made the right decision? 💣
Bagnaia finished just 10 points off a ‘threepeat’ in 2024, but last season, teammate Marc Marquez outscored him by over 250 – despite missing the final rounds through injury.
Jorge Lorenzo talks up Aprilia as an option for Francesco Bagnaia
Bagnaia has been linked with Yamaha, but they have prioritised Jorge Martin. With Toprak Razgatlioglu potentially becoming a factory rider in 2027, that particular door may be closed.
If Martin leaves Aprilia, though, it opens up a seat next to Marco Bezzecchi, who has just signed a contract extension.
While the characteristics of the Yamaha bike suit Bagnaia, Lorenzo also sees him as a good fit for Aprilia. With Ducati pivoting to an all-Spanish line-up, they could fly the flag for Italy.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Bezzecchi would relish a partnership with Bagnaia, a fellow graduate of Valentino Rossi’s academy.
“In a year and a half, Bagnaia’s situation has changed completely,” said Lorenzo. “From being the undisputed number one in Ducati, now it seems there’s no room for him.
“That’s how it works: you’re worth what you show in the last race, and his last season wasn’t up to par. He’s a rider with very precise and clean riding, so I’d see him doing well in Yamaha.
“Then I’d see him doing well in Aprilia: with Bezzecchi, he’d make an all-Italian team, and, media-wise, that would be excellent.”
Why Francesco Bagnaia won’t join VR46 despite Valentino Rossi ties
VR46 offer Bagnaia a safety net, but he’s unlikely to take up the option. If they continue as a Ducati satellite team from 2027, it could be seen as a demotion.
Bagnaia is determined to join a factory team and he should receive compelling offers to do so. Behind Marquez, he is the most decorated rider on the grid.
Aprilia are a rising force in MotoGP and enter the year as the biggest threat to Ducati’s hegemony.
One possible concern is Aprilia’s relative lack of resources, which may affect their 2027 bike development. Bagnaia may be better served at one of the Japanese teams in that regard, but there are no guarantees.
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