Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia had another sub-optimal start to a race weekend with a P11 during FP1 at the United States Grand Prix, leading MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson to question Aprilia’s choice to sign the two-time world champion for 2027.
With many moves in the 2027 MotoGP rider market having taken place before the start of the current term, many questioned whether it was too risky for teams to take a gamble on their line-up 12 months in advance.
One of the most high-profile moves is that of Francesco Bagnaia, who is understood to have signed a four-year deal to ride for Aprilia at the start of next year.
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The news came after Pedro Acosta was rumoured to have signed an agreement to replace Bagnaia at Ducati. The Italian rider’s poor form alongside Marc Marquez was understood to be the reason for his exit, as well as Acosta’s promising future in the premier class.
However, following Bagnaia’s difficult start to the 2026 MotoGP campaign, question marks have been raised over Aprilia’s decision to put their faith in the 29-year-old amid his continual struggles.
- READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia explains why 2026 has been ‘better’ despite ‘different’ issues to dire 2025 season
Neil Hodgson says Aprilia should be having second thoughts about signing Francesco Bagnaia
During TNT Sports’ coverage of FP1 at the United States Grand Prix, MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson issued his verdict on whether Aprilia’s choice to sign the two-time world champion was a good one.
After securing his first of two wins in 2025 at the Circuit of the Americas, the Italian rider struggled yet again during the first practice session of the weekend.
While Marquez managed to set the fourth fastest time of the session after a high-speed crash at turn 10, Bagnaia could only muster a flying lap that was good enough for the 11th row of the timing sheets.
Pedro Acosta claims the top spot in FP1 at the United States Grand Prix ⏱️ Maiden MotoGP victory incoming? 🤔
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In a discussion over Bagnaia’s future, Hodgson said, “We know he’s leaving the factory at the end of this year. Obviously, the rumour is that he’s signed a multi-year contract for the factory Aprilia team.
“I tell you what, if I’m Massimo Rivola now, I’d be like, ‘I think I’ve made a mistake here. I’ve gone way too early. We’ve produced the best bike. We can handpick the best rider. We’ve signed Bezzecchi, so we’ve got our main man.’
“If I were Aprilia now, I would not feel comfortable or confident with my decisions.”
- READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia pinpoints ‘strange’ problem he’s only experiencing during races on the Ducati GP26
Massimo Rivola has been an ally of Francesco Bagnaia’s during his MotoGP struggles
Heading into the new season of racing this year, Rivola had full confidence in the #63 returning to full form with the factory Ducati team.
Amid the early rumours that Borgo Panigale would be replacing him with Pedro Acosta, Rivola noted that Bagnaia is a tempting prospect for any MotoGP team on the grid.
The Aprilia team chief has found it sad watching Bagnaia struggle week in, week out, alongside Marquez at Ducati last year, and was certain that the 29-year-old was just lacking in confidence aboard the Italian constructor’s notorious GP25.
However, Bagnaia hasn’t shown any signs of reverting to any sort of resemblance to his world title-winning form. As noted by Hodgson, some questions may be raised in Noale if it continues this year.
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