Ducati has asked Christian Gabarini to become crew chief in 2027 before KTM star Pedro Acosta joins the Italian factory, which could hamper Francesco Bagnaia’s plans.
Acosta It is widely expected to be replaced Bagnaya as if Ducati Next year, it is believed that Borgo Panigale employees have already reached an agreement with KTM ace for 2027. Acosta is set to become a free agent at the end of 2026, when Bagnaia is set to see his contract expire.
Reports came out in February. Ducati believe they should sign Acosta for 2027 So that a rival manufacturer does not steal the Spanish. Bagnaia has left Ducati chiefs with plenty to worry about after his 2025 season’s failure to settle for fifth place.
Bagnaia is now expected to rest on his feet to transfer Aprilia The following year, Noale natives had to respond when Yamaha signed George Martin for 2027. Bagnaia has agreed a four-year contract with Aprilia. Contains termination clauses after the 2028 season.
Will Pedro Acosta beat Marc Marquez at Ducati next year?
Ducati expects Cristian Gabarini to accept Pedro Acosta’s offer to become team boss in 2027.
It is believed that Bagnaia wants to take Gabbarini with him to Aprilia in 2027The 29-year-old won the MotoGP at Pramac in 2015. Ducati plans to block Bagnaia from taking Gabbari to Aprilia Next season.
Read more: From Marc Marquez to Jack Miller, the signatures of Luigi Dalei and Ducati riders have been ranked.
in addition, Motorsport.com It is now being reported that Ducati has asked Gabbarini to be his crew chief when Acosta arrives from KTM next season. Ducati figures also share the belief that everything points to Gabarini working with Acosta instead of Bagnaia in 2027.
Acosta has a ‘good’ relationship with Gabarini and the pair are understood to speak regularly, as the Murcian wants to learn all he can from the Italian about what happened to Casey Stoner. Gabarini worked for Stoner while winning titles for Ducati and Honda.
So, Acosta considers it a ‘gift’ for Gabarini to be team boss, as he has an intimate knowledge of the Italian, how Stoner works in the garage and what he wants from his bike. But Gabbarini is still weighing up which rider he intends to work with.
So far in his MotoGP career, Acosta has only worked with Paul Trevathan as a crew chief. Acosta inherited Trevathan’s support when KTM made its debut at Tech3 in 2024, as Trevathan was working for the team as Pol Espargaro’s team principal in 2023.
Trevathan remains by Acosta’s side as the 21-year-old moves up to the factory KTM team in 2025. Acosta’s growth is a source of pride for Trevathan.But if Gabarini accepts Acosta and Ducati’s plans for 2027, their time together could be over.
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