Enea Bastianini has already agreed a ‘half-deal’ with Yamaha as he says goodbye to Tech3

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Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini is closing in on a deal with Yamaha, according to a report. Bastianini only joined the KTM satellite squad last year but his exit has long seemed likely.

The former Ducati factory rider finished 14th in last year’s standings with just two podium finishes to his name (one in a Grand Prix and one in a Sprint). Bastianini also lost his crew chief, Alberto Giribuola, who was snapped up by Pramac to work with Toprak Razgatlioglu.

During the winter, Bastianini was linked with Aprilia as a replacement for the Yamaha-bound Jorge Martin. But Massimo Rivola’s primary target Francesco Bagnaia is expected to partner Marco Bezzecchi instead.

Enea Bastianini set to ride a Yamaha in 2027

According to MOW, Bastianini’s departure is regarded as a formality. He has ‘already reached a half-deal with Yamaha’, though it’s unclear if he will race for the factory team or Pramac.

Both of the blue bikes could be vacant, with Fabio Quartararo on his way to Honda and Alex Rins’ prospects looking poor. Bastianini could theoretically partner Martin.

Who do you want as Jorge Martin’s 2027 Yamaha teammate?

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Razgatlioglu expects to stay at Pramac for at least one more season, and Jack Miller is seen as safe because of his contribution to the team’s development. On that basis, perhaps Bastianini will regain factory-rider status for 2027.

Yamaha have also been linked with Luca Marini, but Bastianini may be seen as a preferable candidate. A Moto2 champion in 2020, he has won seven races and scored 19 podiums in the premier class.

Who will ride for Tech3 in 2027 after Enea Bastianini exit?

New Tech3 boss Guenther Steiner could lose both of his riders within months of taking over from Herve Poncharal.

With Bastianini seemingly on his way to Yamaha, MOW say Maverick Vinales is ‘guaranteed’ a factory promotion as long as he meets expectations on track this year.

It has previously been suggested that Brad Binder could swap seats with Vinales, ensuring Steiner retains at least one experienced presence in his line-up.

Provided Tech3 extend their partnership with KTM, Binder could partner Moto2 contender Daniel Holgado in an all-new duo for 2027.

Pedro Acosta will leave the factory team to join Ducati, though the Borgo Panigale outfit are in no rush to finalise the deal. KTM have lined up Alex Marquez as their replacement.