Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola explained the decision to sign Francesco Bagnaia to a four-year contract starting in 2027, coinciding with the new 850cc MotoGP era. According to Rivola, the move reflects Aprilia’s ambition to compete at the highest level by choosing “horses rather than donkeys,” selecting Bagnaia as a top-tier rider capable of leading the team under the updated technical regulations.
Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia marks the end of his six-season stint with Ducati, where he established himself as a multi-time MotoGP world champion. His contract with Aprilia runs for four years, from 2027 through 2030, coinciding with the introduction of the new 850cc technical regulations in MotoGP, according to official Aprilia announcements made on a Thursday. Rivola used the phrase “horses rather than donkeys” to emphasize the team’s preference for elite riders, identifying Bagnaia as a top-tier competitor capable of leading Aprilia’s efforts under the new rules.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the signing as part of a strategic plan to compete at the highest level in the upcoming 850cc era.
The 2027 season will introduce the 850cc engine regulations, which Aprilia views as an opportunity to restructure and enhance its technical program. Rivola and other team officials have repeatedly linked Bagnaia’s arrival to the development of the RS-GP machine specifically for this new era. Reports indicate that Aprilia approached Bagnaia’s camp early in the planning stages for the 850cc project, underscoring his priority status in the team’s long-term vision. Bagnaia’s four-year contract is intended to provide continuity as Aprilia seeks to build on its ambitions to challenge for world championships.
Bagnaia will replace Jorge Martin, who is expected to move to Yamaha in 2027. Aprilia confirmed that Bagnaia will take over Martin’s seat on the factory RS-GP from the start of the 850cc era. This transfer is part of a broader reshuffle involving Ducati, Yamaha, and Aprilia, with multiple sources highlighting the significance of Bagnaia’s signing as an early and decisive move in the rider market ahead of the regulation change.
In addition to the technical and competitive considerations, Aprilia has emphasized the Italian identity of its 2027 rider lineup. Bagnaia will join compatriot Marco Bezzecchi, forming an all-Italian pairing that Aprilia chairman Michele Colaninno and Rivola have framed as a “twin-man power-team.” Rivola stated that he and Colaninno share a vision of “supporting Italy” through this lineup, which is intended to strengthen Aprilia’s national brand and presence in global motorsport. Official communications describe the Italian duo as both a sporting and branding asset for the team.
Bagnaia’s decision to join Aprilia reportedly involved turning down a higher financial offer from Yamaha. Sources including Paddock-GP report that Bagnaia accepted a pay cut to align with Aprilia’s technical project and to race alongside his friend Bezzecchi. This move is portrayed as a strategic choice based on confidence in Aprilia’s ability to develop a competitive 850cc machine rather than purely financial incentives. Bagnaia himself confirmed prior to the official announcement that he had “just decided” his future plans for 2027 while still under contract with Ducati.
Media outlets such as Autosport and Motorsport.com have characterized Bagnaia’s transfer as one of the headline moves of the 2027 MotoGP rider market, highlighting its impact on the championship landscape. Coverage consistently references Rivola’s “horses rather than donkeys” remark as emblematic of Aprilia’s intent to work exclusively with elite riders, positioning Bagnaia as a key figure in the team’s future.
The signing was formally announced by Aprilia on a Thursday, with multiple outlets reporting the deal as official and long-term. Giornalemotori and Crash.net framed the move as the beginning of a new chapter for Bagnaia and Aprilia, marking a significant shift from his Ducati tenure. The four-year contract through 2030 aligns with Aprilia’s robust, long-term technical plan for the RS-GP under the 850cc regulations.
As the 2027 season approaches, Aprilia’s focus will be on developing its new 850cc machine with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi as the lead riders. The team’s strategy reflects both sporting ambitions and a commitment to promoting Italian talent and identity within the global MotoGP arena.
