Massimo Rivola has hinted that the change could be ‘significant’ as Francesco Bagnaia prepares to leave Ducati to join Aprilia in 2027.
Although the move has not been officially announced, it is believed to be so Bagnaia signed the Aprilia contract. It’s generally a four-year deal, though only the first two are guaranteed.
Bagnaia won back-to-back world championships in 2022 and 2023 and narrowly missed out on a three-peat with George Martin the following year. However, he lost his way following the arrival of Marc Marquez. Ducati They chose to replace him with Pedro Acosta.
Massimo Rivola gives encouragement to Francesco Bagnaia before moving to Aprilia
Rivola did not mention Bagnaia by name in his interview with Sky Italia. Gazzetta dello Sportexpressed his belief that Apria could ‘invigorate’ riders.
Marco Bezecchi struggled in the VR46 last season, finishing 12th in the championship, but went on to become world champion after joining Aprilia. Bezecchi won five races in a rowOnly Marquez and Valentino Rossi have achieved it in the modern era.
How will we talk about the journey of Francesco Bagnaia Appria in five years?
As of 2024, it seems unthinkable to allow Ducati BagnayaHe was the only multiple world champion to go unbeaten. But the confusion at GP25, which has bled into the current campaign, has led them to conclude that Acosta is the better option.
“Changes can be beneficial,” Rivola said. “After all, we’re happy to take riders from other manufacturers and reinvigorate them.”
Aprilia rescues George Martin from ‘hasty decision’ to join Honda
Bagnaia replaces Martin, who heads to Yamaha to fill the vacancy left. Fabio Quattro’s Honda move.
Ironically, Martin tried to disassociate himself from Honda last year with contract rumors that played it all out publicly.
Aprilia When the Spaniard tried to activate a controversial exit clause, they stood their ground and Dorna finally stood by them.
With Martin now second in the standings and a legitimate contender for the title, Rivola reflected that the team had ‘saved him from a rash decision’.
“For us Jorge represents a kind of successful gamble: we always believe in him despite all the problems we face,” Rivola said of the rider, who has missed the 2025 season due to injury.
“Martin’s carefree attitude is a result of Aprilia’s attitude that never left him in his time of trouble. Indeed, she supported him in his time of need and saved him from rash decisions.”
Bagnaia signed for Aprilia when they were seen as the benchmark in MotoGP, although it is unclear whether they will retain that status under the new regulations.
Receive competition news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
