Marco Bezzecchi
Jorge Martin’s exit from Aprilia has been confirmed for 2027 with Francesco Bagnaia’s signing, but he does not think it will affect his 2026 title chances.
The 2026 championship battle between Ducati and Aprilia has been somewhat overshadowed in the build-up to the Dutch GP by the announcement of the team’s 2027 rider line-ups. Bagnaia will join Aprilia next season with Marco Bezzecchi, with Pedro Acosta replacing him at Ducati.
It leaves Martin in a bizarre and perhaps uncomfortable situation, as he is in the title fight this year with a manufacturer that he will not be with in 2027. Martin is set to join Yamaha next season, with an official announcement expected soon.
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Jorge Martin trusts Aprilia to help him fight for the 2026 title after Pecco Bagnaia announcement
Interestingly, this is nothing new for Martin, as he faced the same situation with Ducati back in 2024. The Spaniard was denied a factory seat for 2025 and subsequently agreed a deal with Aprilia midway through the 2024 campaign.
Martin would go on to beat Bagnaia for the title with Pramac. While his rival is replacing him next season, he still has faith that Aprilia will give him what he needs to fight for the title, just as Ducati did.
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Addressing the situation at Assen, he told Motorsport Espana: “Just like with Ducati, I trust that Aprilia will give me everything I need to fight for the title. I have a lot of faith in Fabiano [Sterlacchini] and the team.”
Bagnaia has signed a four-year contract with Aprilia, marking an unusual move as riders typically sign two-year deals during contract cycles.
Asked about the signing, Martin added: “Pecco is a great person, a great rider, and I can only wish him the best for his future. I hope he does very well and can fight for many more titles.”
Who will regret this split more, Francesco Bagnaia or Ducati?
With Bagnaia and Bezzecchi locked in for 2027, it all but confirms Martin’s imminent departure to Yamaha. But the 2024 champion is not thinking about his future, insisting that he is committed to improving his feeling on the RS-GP.
“I don’t want to get distracted by the future, which will come in due time,” he said. “I want to focus on this year, because I have a very good opportunity, but at the same time, I’m far from where I want to be in terms of how I feel.
“We were working very well up until Le Mans; and when I won there, we thought we had found the right foundation. We have to keep learning about the bike and improving.”
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