Enea Bastianini is reportedly on the verge of joining Yamaha. The Tech3 rider, who signed with the KTM satellite team just last year, has long been expected to move on.
The former Ducati factory man ended last season 14th in the standings, managing just two podiums – one each in a Grand Prix and a Sprint race. He also lost his crew chief, Alberto Giribuola, who moved to Pramac to work alongside Toprak Razgatlioglu.
Over the winter, there were rumours linking Bastianini to Aprilia as a possible replacement for Jorge Martin, who was heading to Yamaha. But Massimo Rivola is instead expected to go with Francesco Bagnaia as Marco Bezzecchi’s new partner.
Enea Bastianini in line to ride for Yamaha in 2027
As reported by MOW, Bastianini’s exit from Tech3 seems inevitable. They say he has ‘already reached a half-deal with Yamaha’, though it is still unclear whether he would join the factory squad or Pramac.
Both seats could open up, with Fabio Quartararo expected to move to Honda and Alex Rins facing an uncertain future. That could leave an opening for Bastianini to pair up with Martin.
Razgatlioglu is expected to remain at Pramac for at least another year, while Jack Miller’s development work likely secures his place. That might allow Bastianini a return to factory status in 2027.
Yamaha are also considering Luca Marini, but Bastianini is potentially the more attractive choice. The latter’s credentials include a Moto2 championship title in 2020, along with seven victories and 19 podium finishes in the premier class.
Potential Tech3 line-up changes following Enea Bastianini’s departure
Guenther Steiner, the new Tech3 boss, faces the possibility of losing both his riders shortly after taking over from Herve Poncharal.
MOW report that Maverick Vinales is ‘guaranteed’ a factory promotion as long as he meets expectations on track this year.
Brad Binder may end up swapping seats with Vinales, giving Steiner at least one experienced presence within his line-up.
If Tech3 stick with KTM past this year, Binder could find himself paired with Daniel Holgado.
KTM have secured Alex Marquez as a replacement for Pedro Acosta, who is set to move from the factory team to Ducati. The Borgo Panigale manufacturer, however, is not rushing to finalize the deal.
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