Marco Bezzecchi
Former MotoGP rider Carlos Checa has predicted the factory Aprilia team to have one of the best line-ups on the 2027 MotoGP grid, but only if Francesco Bagnaia can rediscover his title-winning form.
The Italian rider’s poor form with Ducati machinery from the 2025 MotoGP campaign has seemingly followed him into 2026, but Francesco Bagnaia’s expected move to Aprilia now serves as a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
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With Pedro Acosta on his way to Borgo Panigale at the end of the 2026 term, Ducati will be losing their most successful rider ever in terms of the number of world championships brought back to Bologna.
Bagnaia has managed to show glimpses of his world championship-winning talent, but the Italian constructor’s recent challengers have failed to bring out the best in him.
A move to Aprilia offers a reset for the Italian, but there are some concerns that his woes may continue.
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Carlos Checa assesses Aprilia and Ducati’s 2027 factory line-ups
In a recent interview with Motosan, two-time Grand Prix winner Carlos Checa gave his thoughts on the factory line-ups for Ducati and their championship-leading rivals, Aprilia.
There has been a multitude of rider movements happening behind the scenes in recent months, with few being given official confirmation. It’s understood that teams are withholding announcements until a Concorde Agreement is reached with MotoGP.
Despite no official word yet, many of the moves are open secrets inside the MotoGP paddock, and Checa was asked for his opinion on which factory has made the strongest signing.
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“Well, it’s difficult, isn’t it?” Checa answered, before adding, “I think Pedro wants to win at all costs, and on paper, he’s gone for the best option. Now, Aprilia might also be a very good option, yes.
“In that regard, I think he’s the most important one. Also, because of what it means to be alongside [Marc] Marquez. Assuming they’re both there, we’re still waiting for official confirmation that Marquez will be there, but it’s going to be, I think, the star team, without a doubt.
“Then, at Aprilia, the rumours suggest that, well, obviously [Marco] Bezzecchi is going to stay on; I hope Jorge [Martin] stays on too, but it looks like that won’t be the case.
“I don’t know if it’ll be Pecco who’ll be there, but he is a very fast rider, one of the best, and if the bike suits him and he feels comfortable, something he’s been lacking lately on a Ducati, then they could also be a super team.”
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Neil Hodgson thinks Jorge Martin might be regretting his Yamaha switch
As alluded to by Checa, Jorge Martin is understood to be leaving Aprilia for Yamaha ahead of MotoGP’s new era of regulations in 2027, which is a move that has been questioned by many.
Of course, the obvious question is why the 2024 world champion would want to swap the top team in the MotoGP standings for an outfit that is currently in turmoil at the bottom of the championship.
Carlo Pernat claims Martin made his decision based on the financial prowess of Yamaha, but there is also the possibility that the Iwata-based manufacturer turns up to the first race of the season next year with the best bike on the grid.
Still, Neil Hodgson thinks Martin may be regretting his hasty decision to swap sides. The agreement with Yamaha is understood to have been reached in pre-season, indicating that the Spaniard wasn’t certain about Aprilia emerging with the top bike this year.
It remains to be seen how competitive the 28-year-old will be in 2027, but Martin isn’t one to do things half-heartedly.
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