Aprilia upgrade gives Francesco Bagnaia hope before 2027 move

Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Francesco Bagnaia could benefit from Aprilia’s test as he prepares for switch in 2027 Francesco Bagnaia should be encouraged by the work Aprilia put in at the Jerez test to beat Ducati, as their efforts could pay off when he switches teams in 2027. Aprilia have made a strong start to the 2026 MotoGP season, with Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin leading the riders’ standings after four rounds. The Noale-based team isn’t getting complacent either, with their first ever championship title up for grabs.

Bezzecchi won the opening three races of the year before Alex Marquez broke his streak in Spain. So Aprilia made sure to use Monday’s session well, looking to keep their edge by testing several upgrades aimed at strengthening their position over Ducati. Bagnaia will be keeping a close eye on how Aprilia continue developing under this set of regulations.

With his move already agreed upon after Ducati replaced him with Pedro Acosta, these updates will play a big part in what kind of team he’ll inherit. Aprilia’s front aero update at Jerez should be of interest to Francesco Bagnaia ahead of 2027 move Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Reports suggest that Acosta has already agreed a move to Ducati for 2027, with his contract at KTM set to expire this year. That decision appears to have set off a chain reaction, with Bagnaia reportedly signing a four-year deal with Aprilia starting in 2027, which includes an option to leave after just one season.

MotoGP is moving towards significant regulatory changes in 2027, including reducing engine capacity to 850cc, banning ride-height devices and imposing stricter aero limits. Whether or not switching teams turns out well for him may depend largely on how well he can adapt. One of the new rules coming into play is around aerodynamic width limits.