Neil Hodgson has responded to Francesco Bagnaia’s recent confirmation of Ducati’s switch to Aprilia, warning the Bologna-based MotoGP constructor that the Italian will take a ‘treasure trove’ of information with him for his local rivals.
After confirming that MotoGP has agreed a new commercial deal with each manufacturer, Ducati As they opened the floodgates Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta have officially announced their lineup For 2027.
How many trophies will Francesco Bagnaia win with Apria in the next four years?
In response, Francesco Bagnaia At the end of the year, he will move from Borgo Pangale to Noale Aprilia He confirmed that he will be partnering with VR46 Academy rider Marco Bezecchi for MotoGP’s new rules era.
The two-time Premier Division winner is understood to have signed a four-year deal with the current Championship leaders. Bagnaya cited his desire for a ‘new challenge’ as the main reason For such a long contract.
Neil Hodgson has warned Ducati about Francesco Bagnaia taking ‘confidential’ information to Aprilia.
Speaking through TNT Sports Before the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, MotoGP pundit Neil Hodgson He offered his thoughts on Bagnaia as he crossed the pit lane, as well as warning Ducati about an out-rider.
Ducati must issue team orders to ensure Marc Marquez secures the 2026 MotoGP title.
He began by praising the Italian’s decision to swap Ducati, where he had spent his entire MotoGP career racing, noting that he had been in a “very sad” accident for two years after opting to stay at Borgo Panigale.
“If you’re Peco, you’ve won two world championships with Ducati, but you’re struggling to beat your team-mate who’s registered for another two years,” he said.
If you stay, you risk a very miserable couple of years. A move to a factory team like Aprilia would give it a fresh start and a technical package that could give the marque the real edge it needs to fight.
Not only will he be rewarded with a clean slate at Aprilia, but his eight years of experience with Ducati will also give Noale-based engineers a unique perspective on their success in recent years.
“Also, Pico is a very sensitive, technical rider; he brings Ducati’s knowledge, philosophy and secrets directly to Aprilia, which is a big win for them,” added Hodgson.
Bagnaia’s mood on a MotoGP bike is widely regarded as having fallen on Ducati over the past 12 months. While Marquez was able to struggle through difficult machinery, his Italian team-mate suffered.
When he said that. Massimo Rivola has no problem with Bagnaia’s form At the same time, he highlighted in pre-season that he had always been a “test option” for Aprilia due to his success in the premier class.
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