Francesco Bagnaia’s future at Ducati looks increasingly uncertain, with reports suggesting the team is moving toward signing KTM’s Pedro Acosta – but not all fans are happy about where the Italian might end up next.
The MotoGP rider market has been active early this year, as teams start shaping their lineups for 2027 and beyond. Most riders are out of contract at the end of this season, including Bagnaia, whose deal runs through to the end of 2026.
Ducati have already made it clear that they won’t be renewing Bagnaia’s contract, despite his impressive track record. The two-time champion didn’t finish six of the last seven races in 2025, although he did win in Japan during that stretch. He ended up fifth in the championship standings that season.
Meanwhile, Ducati are closing in on a two-year deal with Acosta to start in 2027. The Bologna-based team felt they needed to act quickly to secure him. The move is expected to be finalised once Marc Marquez signs his own two-year extension with Ducati.
MotoGP fans push Francesco Bagnaia towards Aprilia over Yamaha for 2027
Bagnaia might not be a free agent for long, though. Reports are indicating that the 29-year-old is leaning towards Yamaha over Aprilia, with financial factors playing a significant role in his decision.
Yamaha are currently looking to fill two spots, with Fabio Quartararo expected to head to Honda and Alex Rins likely to move on from the Japanese team. Jorge Martin of Aprilia is already in discussions with Yamaha about replacing Quartararo, which could open the door for Bagnaia.
But despite Bagnaia’s interest in Yamaha, fans following MotoGP News on Facebook are calling for him to choose Aprilia if he does leave Ducati. One fan responded to the rumours by saying: “Has to be Aprilia to replace Martin.”
Another added: “I hope he goes to Aprilia,” while someone else noted: “Change is good sometimes, I hope he goes to Aprilia.” There seems to be strong support for this move, with another fan posting: “Personally, I’d prefer to see Pecco at Aprilia.”
The sentiment was echoed by others as well. One said: “Go to Aprilia, please!” and another pointed out that pairing Turin-born Bagnaia with Rimini-born Marco Bezzecchi would create a fully Italian line-up at Noale-based Aprilia: “Aprilia for the win. All-true Italian team!”
Francesco Bagnaia to choose Yamaha over Aprilia for 2027 move
Despite fan preference, Bagnaia appears set on joining Yamaha for 2027, rather than Aprilia. Previous reports have indicated that Aprilia are focusing on Enea Bastianini as their top candidate to replace Jorge Martin, with Bagnaia’s camp not engaging with their initial approach.
Yamaha haven’t celebrated a race win since Fabio Quartararo’s triumph at the 2022 German Grand Prix. Next year brings major changes to MotoGP, including the switch to 850cc bikes and a ban on ride height devices, and Bagnaia would be betting on Yamaha’s ability to adapt better than Aprilia.
The financial side also favours Yamaha. Reports indicate they have around £10.5m set aside for signing Martin and Bagnaia, with £4.5m already offered to Martin. This budget far exceeds what Aprilia can put together, and it appears to have played a significant role in Bagnaia’s decision.
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