Francesco Bagnaia will join Aprilia Racing from the 2027 MotoGP World Championship, ending an eight-year association with Ducati and completing one of the most significant rider transfers of the modern MotoGP era. The announcement comes just one day after Ducati confirmed Pedro Acosta will replace the two-time MotoGP World Champion alongside Marc Marquez beginning in 2027.
Bagnaia has signed a four-year deal with the Noale manufacturer and will partner current championship leader Marco Bezzecchi, creating an all-Italian rider lineup at the factory Aprilia squad for the first time in the team’s MotoGP history as MotoGP prepares to enter the new 850cc era in 2027.
The signing represents a major statement of intent from Aprilia, which has emerged as Ducati’s strongest rival during the 2026 season. Bezzecchi’s title challenge and Aprilia’s recent race-winning form have helped establish the RS-GP as a genuine championship contender, making the factory team an increasingly attractive destination for top riders.
Bagnaia’s arrival also triggers a significant reshuffle across the rider market. Ducati’s lineup of Marquez and Acosta gives the Bologna manufacturer an all-Spanish pairing featuring two of the sport’s biggest stars, while Jorge Martin is set to depart from Aprilia for Yamaha to pair with Ai Ogura, although that agreement is yet to be confirmed. Several factory and satellite teams are expected to finalize their 2027 rosters in the coming weeks as the remaining seats fall into place.
For Bagnaia, the switch marks the start of a new chapter after delivering Ducati’s first MotoGP riders’ title in 15 years in 2022 and adding a second crown in 2023. By the time he departs at the end of 2026, he will leave as one of the most successful riders in Ducati history.
