Aprilia announces Francesco Bagnaia MotoGP deal

Aprilia Racing has officially announced its 2027 MotoGP line-up, with Francesco Bagnaia replacing Jorge Martin.

Updated: 25 Jun 2026

Francesco Bagnaia at the Czech MotoGP. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Aprilia Racing will take on a new look for the 2027 MotoGP season, after confirming the signing of Francesco Bagnaia from Ducati.

It was clear for months that Bagnaia’s time at Ducati was likely to end after the 2026 season, which was confirmed on Wednesday, June 24. Ducati then announced Pedro Acosta as his 2027 replacement on the same day, paving the way for the double MotoGP champion to secure a move to Aprilia.

Bagnaia will replace Jorge Martin, who is expected to join the factory Yamaha team in place of Fabio Quartararo, who himself is heading to Honda.

Francesco Bagnaia at the 2026 Czech MotoGP race. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Bagnaia leaves Ducati as its most successful MotoGP rider with two titles, 31 wins, 63 podiums and 28 pole positions. However, Bagnaia has struggled to replicate the form that saw him win back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023, since Marc Marquez became his team-mate at the start of 2025.

The Italian rider, who has spent his entire MotoGP career with Ducati to this point, will partner current championship leader Marco Bezzecchi. Unlike most rider deals that get signed, which are typically over two years, Bagnaia has signed a four-year contract with Aprilia.

Francesco Bagnaia racing at Brno. Credit: Gold and Goose.

Speaking about Bagnaia’s arrival, Aprilia Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola, said:

“Michele Colaninno (Piaggio Group CEO) and I share the same vision of supporting Italy, which is why we both thought of Marco and Pecco together for the next chapter of Aprilia Racing.
"Bagnaia’s arrival is a confirmation of the value of Italian sport, which in recent months has distinguished itself on the world stage thanks to the achievements of Kimi Antonelli in Formula 1, Jannik Sinner in tennis, and Federica Brignone at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
"That is why welcoming Pecco fills us with pride and gives Italian sport a further boost internationally. We will give him and his family a warm welcome, but first we will try to beat him! Having a multiple World Champion is a responsibility we can’t wait to take on.”

Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia means he will play a key role in trying to help the company establish itself as the manufacturer to beat in the new 850cc era.