In Noale, they don't waste any time. With Jorge Martin's expected departure to Yamaha in 2027, where he would replace Fabio Quartararo, announced at Honda – Aprilia has already activated its plan B. And it has a name: Enea Bastianini.
Aprilia has secured the future with Marco Bezzecchiextended for two years after a solid 2025 season: three victories and a third-place finish overall. Meanwhile, Martin has suffered a series of injuries and withdrawals.
With the Spaniard's contract expiring at the end of 2026, he reportedly seized the opportunity at Yamaha Result: a free handlebar next to Bezzecchi. And Aprilia wants to strike fast… but cleverly.
Goes from Ducati à Tech3 KTM in 2025, bastianini had a difficult season on the RC16. Frustrated, he reportedly even tried to break his contract for 2026, before the intervention of Dorna to ensure the commitment is respected.
For 2027, the door is open. According to journalist Simon Patterson (The Race MotoGP), Aprilia would wait until November to negotiate, in order to obtain bastianini “at an unbeatable price”.
Yamaha is reportedly trying to assemble a dream team with Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia
« They are convinced that Pecco is destined for Yamaha, not Aprilia. The general impression in Italy is that Yamaha is trying to build a dream team, of the kind of 2014 one by Mahindra Aspar, with Jorge Martin and Pecco Bagnaia ».
And he adds this: “ And in the general opinion, Aprilia will be able to ensure Enea Bastianini's services at an unbeatable price waiting until November to recruit him »
Si Francis Bagnaia file actually at Yamaha Aprilia would lose a major option… but would gain a bastianini motivated and potentially undervalued.
However, the case is not closed. Pramac Racing could position itself, especially if Jack Miller contests his “last” season in MotoGP. Yamaha He also monitors the situation. And depending on his performance, Toprak Razgatlioglu could be aiming for an official seat.
Aprilia offers a clear advantage: a factory ride. With the current trajectory of the RS-GP project, bastianini could quickly return to the podium. But nothing is signed yet.
In the meantime, bastianini must tame the RC16 and save its stock. ApriliaShe, however, is playing for time. The idea is clear: let the market get carried away… then strike when the balance of power is in her favour.
The 2027 transfer window already looks like a high-speed game of chess. Aprilia lost Martin.
But if she recovers bastianini At the right price, she could well come out on top in the deal.
