Francesco Bagnaia to reunite with former Casey Stoner crew chief at Aprilia after Ducati exit
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Francesco Bagnaia is closing in on a move away from Ducati, and it looks like he’ll be taking an important member of his team along for the ride. The two-time MotoGP champion has been linked with a switch to Aprilia starting in 2027. With Pedro Acosta set to join Marc Marquez at Ducati, Bagnaia needs to find a new home.
After rejecting a reduced offer from Ducati, Bagnaia decided to make the jump. Over there, he’s expected to line up alongside Marco Bezzecchi, another graduate of the VR46 academy. While Yamaha was also in the frame for 2027 – and even for next year – his struggles this season had already cast doubt over his future with Ducati.
Now that the decision looks imminent, and he won’t be leaving alone. Bagnaia has agreed a four-year deal with Aprilia, starting next year. According to AS, it’s a 2+2 structure, meaning he’s committed until 2028, with an option for another two years.
Long-term contracts like this are uncommon in modern MotoGP. Marquez was the last to sign a four-year deal but left Honda before completing it in 2024. Bagnaia’s deal is not the only significant move.
He’ll also be bringing his crew chief, Cristian Gabarrini, over to Aprilia. Gabarrini has been with Bagnaia since his Pramac debut in 2019 and has played a key role during his Ducati tenure, overseeing both of his title wins. Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Cristian Gabarrini is expected to help Francesco Bagnaia regain his form at Aprilia This won’t be the first time Gabarrini has left Ducati.