The unease surrounding Pecco Bagnaia continues to grow… and this time, it goes far beyond Ducati. In Austin, during Free Practice 1, the Italian's 11th place did not go unnoticed, nor did his modest entry into Q2 without going through the repechage — to the point of reigniting a heated debate: Did Aprilia take an excessive risk by betting on him for 2027?
Because in a paddock already shaken by early transfers, this choice is starting to cause friction.
While the market for 2027 MotoGP riders has been heating up very early, the case bagnaia remains one of the most discussed. The two-time world champion Ducati reportedly signed a multi-year contract with Aprilia… in a context where Ducati seems to already be looking elsewhere, particularly towards Pedro Acosta.
A gamble on the future. But today, that gamble is faltering. Because on the track, Bagnaia isn't responding. And to AustinDespite expectations, he did not manage to do better than a modest 11th place in FP1, far behind the current benchmarks.
And this situation did not escape Neil Hodgson, who did not hesitate to directly challenge the strategy ofAprilia.
« We know he will leave the factory at the end of this year. Obviously, the rumor is that he has signed a multi-year contract with the official Aprilia team. »
Doubts are creeping in regarding Pecco Bagnaia.
Then comes the sentence that has the effect of an earthquake: Frankly, if I were Massimo Rivola today, I would say: I think I made a mistake. I went there much too soon.We've designed the best motorcycle. We can choose the best rider. We've signed Bezzecchi, so we have our key man.. » »
And he drives the point home even further: If I were Aprilia today, I would feel neither comfortable nor confident in my decisions. »
A harsh judgment. But difficult to ignore given the current dynamics. Because while Marc Marquez manages to still exist despite its falls, and that Marco Bezzecchi establishes himself as the new boss, bagnaia seems to be sinking.
Same scenario as last year. Same rhetoric. Same lack of solutions. The irony of the situation, Massimo rivola was one of the few to defend bagnaia when everything seemed to be falling apart at Ducati.
For him, the problem was clear: a lack of confidence, not talent. And in that logic, recruiting bagnaia It almost seemed like an opportunity. But today, the facts raise questions. Because despite a new motorcycle, a new context… nothing changes.
If the 2026 season doesn't turn things around quickly, Aprilia could find themselves facing a major dilemma: having secured a driver too early or having bet on the wrong horse.
What was supposed to be a strategic transfer could well turn into a risky gamble. Because today, one question is paramount: has Aprilia recruited a champion… or a rider lacking confidence? Austin It won't provide all the answers. But one thing is certain: if Bagnaia doesn't react quickly, the doubt could become permanent.
Neil Hodgson is not wrong: the MotoGP Things move very quickly, and signing a driver 12 or 18 months in advance is an extremely dangerous gamble. If bagnaia continues to flow whileAcosta et Bezzecchi fly away, Aprilia risks dragging around a luxury "ball and chain" paid for at a premium price for four seasons.
