Francesco Bagnaia had another fine start to the P11 race weekend at the United States Grand Prix in FP1, prompting MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson to question Aprilia’s choice to sign the two-time world champion for 2027.
With so much activity in the 2027 MotoGP rider market taking place before the start of the season, many have questioned whether it is too risky for teams to gamble online 12 months in advance.
One of the most high-profile activities of the Francesco Bagnaia has reportedly signed a four-year deal to ride for Aprilia. Early next year.
Francesco Bagnaia has completed just two of his last nine Grands Prix – how many D’s will he record in 2026?
The news came later. Pedro Acosta has signed an agreement to replace Bagnaya as if Ducati. The poor form of the Italian rider next to him Mark Marquez He understood that it was a reason to leave. Acosta A promising future in the premier class.
However, following Bagania A difficult start to the 2026 MotoGP campaign, question marks have been raised Aprilia The decision to put faith in the 29-year-old in their ongoing struggle.
Neil Hodgson says Aprilia should have second thoughts about signing Francesco Bagna.
Season TNT Sports FP1 cover by United States Grand PrixMotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson He gave a verdict on whether it was a good choice to sign the two-time world champion Aprilia.
In the year After securing his first of two victories at the American circuit in 2025, the Italian rider struggled again in the first practice session of the weekend.
While Marquez managed to set the fourth fastest time of the session after a high-speed crash at turn 10, Bagnaia could only muster enough flying laps for the 11th row timesheets.
Pedro Acosta in FP1 at the United States Grand Prix ⏱️ Maiden MotoGP victory coming? 🤔
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Discussing Bagnaia’s future, Hodgson said: “We know he will leave the factory at the end of this year. In fact, the rumor is that he has signed a multi-year contract with the factory Aprilia team.
“If it was me, what would I tell you? Massimo Rivola Now, ‘I think I made a mistake here. I’ve gone way too early. We have developed the best bike. We can handpick the best driver. We signed. BezechichiSo we got the main guy.
“If I were Aprea now, I wouldn’t feel comfortable or confident in my decisions.”
Massimo Rivola was Francesco Bagnaia’s partner during the MotoGP struggle.
Heading into the new season this year, Rivola was confident as he returned to full form with the #63 factory Ducati team.
Amid earlier rumors that Borgo Pangale was set to be replaced by Pedro Acosta, Rivola described Bagnaia as an exciting prospect for any MotoGP team on the grid..
The boss of the Aprilia team was sad to see Bagnaya struggling Week in, week out, with Marquez at Ducati last year, and the 29-year-old was sure to lack confidence on the Italian constructor’s legendary GP25.
However, Bagnaya has shown no sign of returning to any sort of world title-winning form. As indicated by Hodgson, some questions may be raised by Noale if he continues this year.
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