Marco Bezzecchi
Nobuatsu Aoki believes a transfer to Aprilia for the 2027 MotoGP season would be the most “compatible” option for Francesco Bagnaia, with his future at Ducati uncertain.
The two-time MotoGP champion has been linked with a number of teams in recent weeks as his time as a Ducati rider now very much appears to be numbered. Bagnaia is out of contract in Borgo Panigale at the end of 2026, and KTM star Pedro Acosta is lined up to take his seat.
It is said that Ducati are on the verge of signing Acosta to a two-year contract, ahead of his deal with KTM expiring at the end of this year. The Bologna Bullets are expected to formalise the 21-year-old’s move once they have finalised a fresh two-year contract for Marc Marquez.
Bagnaia has made it clear that he has no interest in a transfer to a satellite team for the 2027 MotoGP season, if Ducati call time on his days in red. Aprilia could fulfil Bagnaia’s desire for a works ride in 2027, but the Italian factory face competition from Yamaha for the 29-year-old.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Nobuatsu Aoki believes Aprilia’s MotoGP bike would suit Francesco Bagnaia’s riding style
It is now said that Bagnaia is clearly leaning towards joining Yamaha in 2027, as the Japanese brand can offer him a much more lucrative contract than Aprilia would be able to afford. But Aoki believes a move to Aprilia would be in Bagnaia’s best interests due to their recent bikes.
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Former Suzuki 500cc rider Aoki believes the cornering strength of the Aprilia RS-GP would be a great match for Bagnaia’s riding style. Similarly, a move to Ducati would suit Bagnaia’s likely replacement Acosta, as the Spaniard could utilise his braking ability on a Desmosedici.
“If these transfers were to take place, it would be a major shuffle,” Aoki told Young Machine. “Of course, at this stage it’s just a rumour, but there’s no smoke without fire…
“Personally, I think any of the transfers would be interesting. The ones that seem particularly compatible would be Bagnaia to Aprilia and Acosta to Ducati.
“Bagnaia is the type of rider who can ride any machine, and he seems to suit the Aprilia, which is a cornering machine. If Acosta rides a Ducati, he should be able to make the most of his inherent braking skills.”
Francesco Bagnaia could face a decision between Yamaha’s money and Aprilia’s bike
Who would win as teammates, Francesco Bagnaia or Pedro Acosta?
Many MotoGP followers would likely agree with Aoki, as a lot of fans fear Bagnaia would be making a mistake by joining Yamaha over Aprilia in 2027. Yamaha have not won a race since Fabio Quartararo won the 2022 German Grand Prix, and the Frenchman is now set to leave.
Yamaha are currently on the lookout for new riders amid claims that Quartararo has agreed to move to Honda in 2027. Bagnaia’s former MotoGP title rival Jorge Martin is in talks with Yamaha to replace Quartararo, but it is possible that the old foes could yet unite in Iwata.
Reports claim that Yamaha have a budget of around £10.5m to sign Martin and Bagnaia, as Alex Rins is also out of contract in their works line-up at the end of this season. So, Bagnaia’s choice could come down to Yamaha’s cash or Aprilia’s bike that Aoki believes would suit him.
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