Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola revealed that the company has multiple backup plans—referred to as “Plan B and Plan C”—as they search for Marco Bezzecchi’s teammate for the 2027 MotoGP season. The Italian manufacturer quickly secured Bezzecchi with a new two-year contract ahead of the Sepang test, highlighting him as their top priority.
After finishing second in last year’s Manufacturers’ Championship, Aprilia is emerging as an attractive option for riders aiming for the 2027 season. The seat alongside Bezzecchi is expected to be open, as 2024 world champion Jorge Martin is heavily linked with a possible move to Yamaha. While Rivola did not dismiss the idea of Martin staying at Aprilia, he emphasized that the team has several contingency options ready, stating, “I have a Plan B, Plan C, and Plan D because Aprilia never sleeps.”
Rivola praised Bezzecchi’s dedication to the team and bike performance, calling him the ideal choice. With their priorities set, Aprilia is now actively assessing the rider market. Rivola suggested that depending on how other riders perform on their bike, some backup plans could be easier to execute than others.
Several high-profile names are reportedly in talks with Aprilia this off-season. Among them, 2021 World Champion Fabio Quartararo was rumored to have agreed to a Honda deal but denied finalizing such an agreement, although Honda remains an option. Meanwhile, two-time world champion Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia is strongly linked with Aprilia, hinting at a “big chance” during the Sepang test. Bagnaia’s Ducati days seem numbered, with reports favoring Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta as Ducati’s future factory lineup.
Fan Take: This early jockeying by Aprilia shows just how competitive and unpredictable the 2027 MotoGP season could be, with top riders possibly switching teams. For racing fans, the prospect of big names like Bagnaia joining Aprilia adds excitement and could shake up the grid, elevating the championship battle to new heights.
