Marco Bezzecchi
With a lot of big moves in the 2027 MotoGP rider market already reported to be in the final stages of negotiations, Francesco Bagnaia’s future remains as one of the biggest question marks at the moment.
Following a disappointing campaign alongside a world-beating Marc Marquez at Ducati last year, Francesco Bagnaia is seemingly on his way out of Borgo Panigale.
Reports of Pedro Acosta signing for the factory Ducati outfit have further fuelled the rumours of a Bagnaia exit at the end of 2026, and the overwhelming sentiment suggests the Italian rider will need to find a new team for 2027.
Aprilia have been identified as the most attractive option for Bagnaia, but the decision remains up to the man himself.
The team boss of the Noale-based factory, Massimo Rivola, has admitted that Bagnaia is tempting for every brand on the grid, which means that they may face some competition if they are keen on securing his signature.
- READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia would thrive on Aprilia’s ‘cornering machine’ MotoGP bike, says Nobuatsu Aoki
Would you have accepted Honda’s offer if you were Marquez?
Marco Bezzecchi explains why Francesco Bagnaia must be ‘selfish’ when deciding on 2027 MotoGP future
During an interview with MotoGP content creator Nicholas Fontana, Marco Bezzecchi was asked what he would do if he were in the same position as Bagnaia in the current landscape of the rider market.
Bezzecchi has already expressed his interest in teaming up with Bagnaia at Aprilia for the 2027 season, but the Italian knows how much of a difficult decision it would be for #63 to leave behind the Ducati stable.
In his more recent interview at the Motosprint Golden Helmets awards, he said, “Look, it’s difficult because I’m not like him, we are very different, and so I struggle to tell you what I would do if I were him.
“I think he is a super intelligent, super mature guy, he has built a fantastic relationship with the guys from Ducati, whom I also know because I have been there too.
“They are all fantastic guys, so I just hope he makes the best choice for himself. In the end, he has to see what is best. I don’t want to say selfish, but a little yes, he has to look after himself and do the best for himself.”
The two-time premier class title-winner is rumoured to be interested in a move to Yamaha, but MotoGP fans have made their feelings clear about a move to Iwata for Bagnaia by highlighting how much of a mistake it may be.
Of course, a new era of regulations brings with it a brand new pecking order in the MotoGP standings, so it could potentially be a masterstroke for the Italian if Yamaha proves to be a genuine contender next year.
- READ MORE: Luigi Dall’Igna admits Ducati didn’t do enough to help Francesco Bagnaia in 2025 MotoGP season
Prove me wrong: Francesco Bagnaia deserves another chance at Ducati in 2027
Francesco Bagnaia looked like his world championship-winning former self during the 2026 Sepang test
In stark contrast to how the 2025 campaign played out for Bagnaia, the upcoming term is looking a lot more promising for him.
Bagnaia noticed the improvements on the GP26 ‘straight away’, which indicates that the 29-year-old’s confidence will be in a much better place once bikes hit the track for the season-opener in Thailand.
The biggest improvement that has come from within Borgo Panigale regards one of the Italian’s best attributes: braking.
Bagnaia confirmed that the GP26 is ‘much better’ for him in that regard, and will be hoping to put his superpower to use to gain an advantage over Marquez.
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