Aprilia have a strange objection to Ducati signing Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez for 2027

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Ducati are set to field a brand-new dream team of Pedro Acosta and Marc Marquez for the 2027 season.

Neither Acosta’s arrival nor Marquez’s extension have been confirmed at this stage, but it’s a matter of time. The deals have been an open secret for months, with the protracted negotiations over next year’s commercial agreement delaying the announcements.

Ducati have decided not to renew Francesco Bagnaia’s contract even though he has won two world championships in red. They took the decision after the Italian’s 2025 collapse, paving the way for Aprilia to sign him alongside Marco Bezzecchi.

Is Pedro Acosta going to beat Marc Marquez at Ducati next year?

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Aprilia feel Ducati line-up isn’t ‘effective’ for Italian motorsport

While Aprilia didn’t decide their line-up on nationality reasons alone – they may have kept Jorge Martin had he not been lured to Yamaha – they are relishing the idea of pairing the sport’s most prominent Italian riders.

This is perfect for their brand and a signal that they are giving a platform to the country’s best motorcycle products.

By contrast, Aprilia’s management feel that Ducati’s all-Spanish direction is not ‘effective’, according to Speedweek. It’s an unusual objection – normally teams wouldn’t concern themselves with such matters – but there’s a sense that the Borgo Panigale manufacturer are neglecting their responsibility to Italian talent.

Based on rumours, five of the six Desmosedici riders next year will be Spanish, with the VR46-bound Nicolo Bulega the only exception. Bulega will race alongside Fermin Aldeguer, while Joan Mir and Daniel Holgado are the favourites for the Gresini seats.

Part of the rivalry between Ducati and Aprilia stems from their shared heritage. Both want to be considered the foremost Italian team in MotoGP.

Aprilia clearly feel they are doing more for the racing scene in their homeland. Speedweek even float the possibility that satellite team Trackhouse could field at least one Italian rider next year.

Trackhouse have been heavily linked with Enea Bastianini, the former factory Ducati rider who appears intent on leaving Tech3.