Neil Hodgson questions why Aprilia wanted to sign Francesco Bagnaia on four-year deal

It was like the first idea Bagnaia signs for Yamaha for the 2027 MotoGP seasonBut it seems the Italian has decided to go a different route.

The two-time MotoGP champion looks set to be replaced by Pedro Acosta at Ducati. Bagnaia has reportedly decided to put pen to paper on a deal with ApriliaLasting for four years.

This move sees Bagnaia and Marko Bezecic as teammates For the first time in his MotoGP career, Bezcicci has re-signed with Aprilia for 2027 and 2028.

Four years?! 😲 Did Pecco Bagnaia make the right decision for 2027?

Neil Hodgson questions Aprilia’s decision to sign Francesco Bagnaia

The reported deal surprised many due to the length of the deal, which fell short of Marc Marquez’s four-year contract with Honda.

Bagnaya fought at the factory Ducati In the 2025 season, the Italian finished fifth in GP25 and was reportedly dropped by the Italian manufacturer. This led to the search for a new agreement with Aprilia, which, on paper, looks good for Bagnaia.

however, Neil Hodgson Expressing his thoughts on TNT Sports’ reports from the opening MotoGP session of the Thai Grand Prix, Aprilia cast doubt on Bagnaya’s decision to sign him on a long-term deal.

Hodgson said: “Peco to Aprilia, and according to Gav, this is what he heard from the Italians: a four-year deal. I’ve only ever heard of one other four-year deal, and that didn’t work. That’s how Marc Marquez signed a four-year deal with Honda.”

Guintoli said, “On the other hand, Aprilia, in the form they are in, are very attractive at the moment and if no longer on Ducati…”

Hodgson said, “No, but if you’re Aprilia, why would you want to sign Peco for four years?” he replied.

Which drivers do you think will pass in Q1 at Buriram?

Francesco Bagnaia’s struggle continues in the opening round of 2026.

The 2026 MotoGP season begins on Friday. February 27 began, with the first practice sessions at the Buriram International Circuit.

Afternoon exercise Dominating the time sheets are Aprilia and Bezeci. And on Saturday he secured a place in Q2.

However, just outside the top ten and automatic Q2 places was Francesco Bagnaia, who finished the day in 15th place on his Ducati GP26.

The Italian rider was 1.298 seconds behind. Bezechichi on time sheets, and may have proved Hodgson’s questioning point. Aprilia The decision to sign Bagnayan to a long-term contract.