Aprilia’s Rivola backs Bagnaia ahead of expected 2027 move from Ducati
Massimo Rivola has suggested that a change could work in Francesco Bagnaia’s favour as he gets ready to leave Ducati for Aprilia in 2027.
Bagnaia, who won back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023 and came close to a third the following year, found himself out of the picture after Marc Marquez arrived at Ducati. The team have since decided to move on, bringing in Pedro Acosta.
There was talk about whether Aprilia made the right call, given Bagnaia was coming off a run of poor form. However, Rivola is confident about what the Italian can bring to his new team.
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Massimo Rivola backs Francesco Bagnaia before move to Aprilia
Rivola didn’t reference Bagnaia directly in his interview with Sky Italia, but he did say Aprilia are more than capable of getting the best out of riders, according to quotes relayed by Gazzetta dello Sport.
Bezzecchi was coming off a disappointing campaign with VR46, where he finished 12th overall. But since joining Aprilia, he’s become a title contender and recently put together five straight wins, a run that only Marquez and Rossi have matched in recent times.
Ducati wouldn’t have even considered moving on from Bagnaia just a year ago, when he was still their most decorated rider. However, his dip in form on the GP25 carried into this season and led them to believe Acosta was the right call.
“Changes can be beneficial,” said Rivola. “After all, we’re happy to take on riders from other manufacturers and revitalise them.”
While he didn’t mention Bagnaia by name, Rivola told Sky Italia, via Gazzetta dello Sport, that Aprilia have a track record of getting the best out of riders who need a change in scenery.
Marco Bezzecchi, who struggled in his final season at VR46 and finished 12th in the standings, has developed into a championship threat since moving to Aprilia. He’s now won five consecutive races—a feat matched only by Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi in recent times.
As recently as 2024, the idea of Ducati letting their only multiple world champion go seemed unthinkable. But Bagnaia’s decline on the GP25, which has continued into this season, led them to believe Acosta was the better option.
“Changes can be beneficial,” said Rivola. “After all, we’re happy to take on riders from other manufacturers and revitalise them.”
“For us, Jorge represents a sort of successful gamble: despite all the problems, we’ve always believed in him,” Rivola said of his rider, who missed most of the 2025 season through injury.
“Martin’s carefree attitude is the product of Aprilia’s attitude, which didn’t abandon him in his time of suffering. Indeed, it supported him during his crisis, saving him from rash decisions.”
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