Aprilia officially announced on Thursday that Francesco Bagnaia has signed a four-year contract to replace Jorge Martin, who is set to move to Yamaha in 2027.
With Bagnaia joining the team next season, Aprilia will field an all-Italian lineup in 2027, alongside Marco Bezzecchi, who is already committed to the project long-term.
Aprilia team boss Massimo Rivola moved quickly to secure the three-time world champion, viewing Bagnaia’s arrival as a major opportunity for the Italian manufacturer.
The pairing of Bagnaia and Bezzecchi will extend their on-track rivalry beyond the VR46 academy, as both riders will now represent Aprilia’s red-and-white colors in the premier class.
“Having a multiple world champion is certainly an opportunity,” Rivola told Motorsport.com Italy. “The fact that he chose us is definitely a source of motivation, and the fact that he trains every day with Marco shows the trust he has in us, given what Marco has achieved.”
“I think that in Bagnaia’s mind, he may be thinking: ‘if they managed to take Marco to such a high level, they’ll be able to do the same with me.’ It’s great that this message resonates. Moreover, having two Italians performing at an exceptional level and proudly displaying our flag on a black motorcycle is hugely motivating.”
Rivola expressed confidence in managing a lineup featuring two top-tier riders, emphasizing his preference for quality over harmony in the garage.
“Two thoroughbreds in the same team is what I prefer,” he said. “I’d rather work with champions than riders who might get along well but lack pace. We’ve already had thoroughbreds with our experience with Martin, who showed incredible explosiveness—perhaps even too much for the excitement of joining us as a world champion.”
Rivola added that Bagnaia’s decision to join Aprilia reflects his belief in the project’s ability to restore competitive form.
“There’s significant motivation, and we have a huge challenge ahead. I also believe Pecco has shown courage by coming here—not just for the VR46 connection and daily battles with Bezzecchi, but for redemption. He clearly believes he can beat those who, let’s say, preferred other riders despite his world championship pedigree.”
“He also turned down higher salaries from Japanese manufacturers, so welcome aboard. This is an opportunity for us, and I have no doubt we’ll make the most of it.”
Pecco Bagnaia, Ducati
Aprilia’s proven track record with riders: Can it reclaim Bagnaia’s best form?
The opportunity to speak with Rivola provided insight into Aprilia’s history of developing talent—and the challenge now facing the team with Bagnaia: reigniting the performance of a gifted rider during a transitional phase.
“Look at Maverick Vinales’ example,” Rivola said. “It was extraordinary—a rider who lost his way at Yamaha—he ended up winning and winning brilliantly in Austin, which remains one of the best performances we’ve seen in recent years. Bezzecchi has also made tremendous progress.”
Aprilia’s relationship with Martin wasn’t without turbulence. Midway through last season, the Spaniard attempted to exit his contract while recovering from injury.
He ultimately fulfilled his deal and returned strongly, dominating the French GP weekend en route to title contention.
“Look at Martin too: he arrived at Aprilia as a world champion, but after enduring a season like the one he had, seeing him regain that confidence—without dismissing what may have been an instinctive reaction on his part, which was entirely understandable and justified, given the mental association he made between us, our bike, and the pain he endured—seeing him like this today is very encouraging,” Rivola said.
“So far, we’ve done a decent job with riders, but the real test lies ahead this year.”