One of the biggest rider transfers in modern MotoGP history has officially been confirmed. Two-time MotoGP World Champion Francesco Bagnaia will join Aprilia Racing on a four-year contract beginning with the 2027 season, forming an all-Italian factory line-up alongside Marco Bezzecchi.
The blockbuster signing marks a major statement of intent from the Noale-based manufacturer as MotoGP prepares to enter a new era under the 2027 technical regulations. With Bagnaia’s arrival, Aprilia secures one of the premier class’ most accomplished riders, significantly strengthening its ambitions to challenge consistently for world championships.
Bagnaia will arrive at Aprilia with one of the most decorated résumés on the current MotoGP grid. Since making his Grand Prix debut in Moto3 in 2013, the Italian claimed the Moto2 World Championship in 2018 before graduating to MotoGP, where he captured back-to-back world titles in 2022 and 2023.
Across his premier-class career, Bagnaia has amassed 41 MotoGP victories, 86 podium finishes and 35 pole positions, placing him among Italy’s most successful riders in history, trailing only legendary champions Giacomo Agostini and Valentino Rossi in the all-time rankings.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for Aprilia Racing as the manufacturer prepares for the sweeping regulation changes scheduled for 2027. Pairing Bagnaia with Bezzecchi gives the team an entirely Italian rider lineup packed with race-winning pedigree, technical experience and championship-winning credentials.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the signing as a milestone for both the team and Italian motorsport.
“Michele Colaninno and I share the same vision of supporting Italy, which is why we both thought of Marco and Pecco together for the next chapter of Aprilia Racing.”
Rivola added that Bagnaia’s arrival reflects the growing success of Italian sport on the international stage, highlighting achievements by Formula 1 sensation Andrea Kimi Antonelli, tennis star Jannik Sinner and alpine skiing champion Federica Brignone.
“Welcoming Pecco fills us with pride and gives Italian sport a further boost internationally. We will give him and his family a warm welcome—but first we will try to beat him! Having a multiple World Champion is a responsibility we can’t wait to take on.”
For Aprilia, Bagnaia’s signing represents far more than simply adding another elite rider. It signals the manufacturer’s determination to become a genuine title contender in MotoGP’s next competitive cycle.
With the 2027 regulations expected to reshape the competitive landscape, the combination of Bagnaia’s championship-winning experience and Bezzecchi’s proven race pace gives Aprilia one of the strongest rider pairings on the grid.
The announcement also marks the beginning of a new chapter in Bagnaia’s illustrious career after establishing himself as one of MotoGP’s defining figures over the past decade. While he still has the remainder of the 2026 season to complete before making the switch, anticipation is already building for one of the sport’s most significant partnerships when the new MotoGP era begins in 2027.
Credit Photo : Ducati
