Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia is expected to leave Ducati when his contract expires at the end of the season. It seems Luigi Dall’Igna and co. have decided to move on after Bagnaia’s dismal 2025 tanked his stock.
While there hasn’t been a formal announcement yet, it’s believed that Ducati will sign Pedro Acosta from KTM. The move may be a reflection of Acosta’s immense potential, rather than internal dissatisfaction with Bagnaia.
Ducati might choose to confirm Bagnaia’s exit before they unveil his replacement. The #63 commands respect in Borgo Panigale after winning the 2022 and 2023 championships.
If you were Francesco Bagnaia, where would YOU go for 2027?
Bagnaia has already been pondering his next move. Even after a season where he notched more DNFs (nine) than Grand Prix podiums, he is a coveted rider.
‘Financial considerations’ push Francesco Bagnaia towards Yamaha
A report last week suggested that Yamaha were ‘gaining momentum’ in the race to sign Bagnaia. This has now been corroborated by El Periodico.
The Spanish outlet say that Bagnaia is ‘clearly leaning towards’ Paolo Pavesio’s project. It emerged at the end of last month that Fabio Quartararo is leaving Yamaha to join Honda.
Who do you want as Jorge Martin’s 2027 Yamaha teammate?
If Jorge Martin is the Quartararo replacement, then Bagnaia could succeed Alex Rins, who is likely to be let go at the end of the year.
Bagnaia has also had interest from Aprilia but ‘financial considerations’ may be at play. The Noale executives can’t compete with Yamaha on this front, particularly after handing Marco Bezzecchi a lucrative extension.
Who will Aprilia sign if they miss out on Pecco Bagnaia?
The next question is where Aprilia will turn, particularly if 2024 world champion Martin is also headed to Yamaha.
El Periodico add that Enea Bastianini could be their plan B. Bastianini has never seemed entirely happy at Tech3 after leaving the works Ducati team in 2024.
Massimo Rivola believes the seven-time Grand Prix winner can return to the top step of the podium in Aprilia colours.
Despite winning his first premier-class race last year aboard an RS-GP, Raul Fernandez doesn’t appear to be in the frame for an Aprilia seat. A contract extension at Trackhouse is in the offing instead.
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