– Enea Bastianini opens a new chapter in his career in the 2027 MotoGP season. After two years with Tech3-KTM, the Italian moves to Aprilia and takes over the spot in the Trackhouse team from Ai Ogura, who will switch to Yamaha.
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After Ducati and KTM, Aprilia will be the third brand for Bastianini with which he will compete in MotoGP. Rumors had already circulated in the past two years that he could be a candidate at Aprilia.
Already in 2024, when it was clear that he had to leave the Ducati factory team, he was linked with Aprilia. This was also the case this year. He was considered a candidate to possibly take Jorge Martin’s place.
However, the factory team ultimately decided on Francesco Bagnaia. Now the move to Aprilia worked out nonetheless, albeit “only” to the satellite team Trackhouse. Bastianini signed a two-year contract.
“At the beginning of the season, I thought a lot about my future,” Bastianini tells MotoGP.com, “because I saw good potential in the Aprilia motorcycles.”
“I thought this could be my path for the future now. We started talking very quickly, very early, and then the process dragged on a bit.”
KTM had a unilateral option to extend Bastianini’s contract until June 30. However, KTM did not pursue this. After this deadline passed, the Italian was able to formally finalize the details with Trackhouse.
“I am very happy to have signed with Trackhouse,” says Bastianini. “They have shown a lot of potential this year, with Ai, but we also saw it with Raul, even in Silverstone.”
“That’s why I’m excited. On the motorcycle side, I also believe it can be one of the best bikes for the future. I want to try to get back to the very top. I think that was my best decision.”
Davide Brivio names the only question mark
The Trackhouse rider lineup for the next two years is thus set. Raul Fernandez will remain alongside Bastianini. Given his performance, he received further trust from Trackhouse boss Justin Marks.
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“Enea is a race winner,” says Trackhouse team principal Davide Brivio to MotoGP.com about the new signing. “I didn’t contribute much as I am leaving the team.”
Photo gallery: The career highlights of Enea Bastianini
“Nowadays, there is always a bit of doubt whether a rider will adapt to a different motorcycle. Sometimes we have even seen riders struggle from one year to the next with the same manufacturer.”
“So that’s always a kind of question mark,” admits Brivio. “But certainly, Enea has a lot of experience, he is a race winner, he is [Moto2] world champion, so I believe he is a good choice for Trackhouse.”
Raul Fernandez: “Must learn more Italian”
Aprilia will compete with three Italians over the next two years. In the factory team are Marco Bezzecchi and Bagnaia, at Trackhouse Bastianini. In addition, there is a Spaniard with Fernandez.
“Maybe I have to learn a bit more Italian for next year,” Fernandez laughs at this prospect. “But yes, I think Enea is a very strong rider. I think with the new tire he will be fast for his riding style.”
Bastianini and Bagnaia were teammates in the Ducati factory team in 2023 and 2024. Now they will meet again at Aprilia. The comparison will show who adapts faster to the new RS-GP with 850 cubic centimeters displacement.
“I think ‘Pecco’ and I both bring a lot of experience from different motorcycles. He spent a lot of time at Ducati, and I stayed here at KTM for the last two years,” Bastianini compares.
“We will be riding the 850 and also with a different tire. That will be something new for everyone, and I am looking forward to it. I made this decision because I am confident I will fit well with this motorcycle.”
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