Francesco Bagnaia is officially joining Aprilia next year after much speculation about the Italian's future. The two-time MotoGP World Champion will depart Ducati.
What happened?
Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola views Aprilia as a 'national team' for Italy, and with Bagnaia's signing, the team now has an all-Italian line-up.
Bagnaia struggled to adapt since Marc Marquez's arrival at Ducati, winning just two races in as many years.
Why it matters for Francesco Bagnaia
The move to Aprilia brings new opportunities for Bagnaia, who will ride alongside current championship leader Marco Bezzecchi.
This signing is a major coup for Aprilia, especially with a massive regulation overhaul set to be introduced next year.
What comes next?
Jorge Martin is expected to make way for Bagnaia, with rumors linking him to Yamaha next year.
Other major announcements are expected later in the week, including Fabio Quartararo's potential move to Honda.
The fates of Joan Mir, Luca Marini, and Brad Binder remain uncertain, as the MotoGP rider market continues to unfold.
Bagnaia's departure from Ducati was delayed due to the finalization of a 'concorde agreement' between MotoGP Group and the respective manufacturers, which was signed at last weekend's Czech Grand Prix.
This led to a cascade of announcements, including Marc Marquez's contract renewal and Pedro Acosta's confirmation to join Ducati next year.
With Bagnaia and Bezzecchi at the helm, Aprilia has secured one of the most promising rider lineups for 2027.
The Italian team is poised to be a frontrunner, and Bagnaia's experience will be crucial in the upcoming season.
The exact details of Bagnaia's contract with Aprilia have not been disclosed, but the move is seen as a major boost for the Italian team.
As the MotoGP rider market continues to evolve, fans can expect more exciting announcements in the coming weeks.
Bagnaia's signing with Aprilia marks a new chapter in his career, and he will be eager to make an impact with his new team.
The 2027 season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with several top riders changing teams and new regulations being introduced.
Bagnaia's move to Aprilia is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling year in MotoGP.