Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola explained the decision to sign Francesco Bagnaia to a four-year contract starting in 2027, coinciding with the new 850cc MotoGP era. According to Rivola, the move reflects Aprilia?s ambition to compete at the highest level by choosing ?horses rather than donkeys,? selecting Bagnaia as a top-tier rider capable of leading the team under the updated technical regulations.
Bagnaia?s move to Aprilia marks the end of his six-season stint with Ducati, where he established himself as a multi-time MotoGP world champion. His contract with Aprilia runs for four years, from 2027 through 2030, coinciding with the introduction of the new 850cc technical regulations in MotoGP, according to official Aprilia announcements made on a Thursday. Rivola used the phrase ?horses rather than donkeys? to emphasize the team?s preference for elite riders, identifying Bagnaia as a top-tier competitor capable of leading Aprilia?s efforts under the new rules.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the signing as part of a strategic plan to compete at the highest level in the upcoming 850cc era.
The 2027 season will introduce the 850cc engine regulations, which Aprilia views as an opportunity to restructure and enhance its technical program. Rivola and other team officials have repeatedly linked Bagnaia?s arrival to the development of the RS-GP machine specifically for this new era. Reports indicate that Aprilia approached Bagnaia?s camp early in the planning stages for the 850cc project, underscoring his priority status in the team?s long-term vision. Bagnaia?s four-year contract is intended to provide continuity as Aprilia seeks to build on its ambitions to challenge for world championships.
Bagnaia will replace Jorge Martin, who is expected to move to Yamaha in 2027. Aprilia confirmed that Bagnaia will take over Martin?s seat on the factory RS-GP from the start of the 850cc era. This transfer is part of a broader reshuffle involving Ducati, Yamaha, and Aprilia, with multiple sources highlighting the significance of Bagnaia?s signing as an early and decisive move in the rider market ahead of the regulation change.
In addition to the technical and competitive considerations, Aprilia has emphasized the Italian identity of its 2027 rider lineup. Bagnaia will join compatriot Marco Bezzecchi, forming an all-Italian pairing that Aprilia chairman Michele Colaninno and Rivola have framed as a ?twin-man power-team.? Rivola stated that he and Colaninno share a vision of ?supporting Italy? through this lineup, which is intended to strengthen Aprilia?s national brand and presence in global motorsport. Official communications describe the Italian duo as both a sporting and branding asset for the team.
Bagnaia?s decision to join Aprilia reportedly involved turning down a higher financial offer from Yamaha. Sources including Paddock-GP report that Bagnaia accepted a pay cut to align with Aprilia?s technical project and to race alongside his friend Bezzecchi. This move is portrayed as a strategic choice based on confidence in Aprilia?s ability to develop a competitive 850cc machine rather than purely financial incentives. Bagnaia himself confirmed prior to the official announcement that he had ?just decided? his future plans for 2027 while still under contract with Ducati.
Media outlets such as Autosport and Motorsport.com have characterized Bagnaia?s transfer as one of the headline moves of the 2027 MotoGP rider market, highlighting its impact on the championship landscape. Coverage consistently references Rivola?s ?horses rather than donkeys? remark as emblematic of Aprilia?s intent to work exclusively with elite riders, positioning Bagnaia as a key figure in the team?s future.
The signing was formally announced by Aprilia on a Thursday, with multiple outlets reporting the deal as official and long-term. Giornalemotori and Crash.net framed the move as the beginning of a new chapter for Bagnaia and Aprilia, marking a significant shift from his Ducati tenure. The four-year contract through 2030 aligns with Aprilia?s robust, long-term technical plan for the RS-GP under the 850cc regulations.
As the 2027 season approaches, Aprilia?s focus will be on developing its new 850cc machine with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi as the lead riders. The team?s strategy reflects both sporting ambitions and a commitment to promoting Italian talent and identity within the global MotoGP arena.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola explained the decision to sign Francesco Bagnaia to a four-year contract starting in 2027, coinciding with the new 850cc MotoGP era. According to Rivola, the move reflects Aprilia?s ambition to compete at the highest level by choosing ?horses rather than donkeys,? selecting Bagnaia as a top-tier rider capable of leading the team under the updated technical regulations.
Bagnaia?s move to Aprilia marks the end of his six-season stint with Ducati, where he established himself as a multi-time MotoGP world champion. His contract with Aprilia runs for four years, from 2027 through 2030, coinciding with the introduction of the new 850cc technical regulations in MotoGP, according to official Aprilia announcements made on a Thursday. Rivola used the phrase ?horses rather than donkeys? to emphasize the team?s preference for elite riders, identifying Bagnaia as a top-tier competitor capable of leading Aprilia?s efforts under the new rules.
Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola described the signing as part of a strategic plan to compete at the highest level in the upcoming 850cc era.
The 2027 season will introduce the 850cc engine regulations, which Aprilia views as an opportunity to restructure and enhance its technical program. Rivola and other team officials have repeatedly linked Bagnaia?s arrival to the development of the RS-GP machine specifically for this new era. Reports indicate that Aprilia approached Bagnaia?s camp early in the planning stages for the 850cc project, underscoring his priority status in the team?s long-term vision. Bagnaia?s four-year contract is intended to provide continuity as Aprilia seeks to build on its ambitions to challenge for world championships.
Bagnaia will replace Jorge Martin, who is expected to move to Yamaha in 2027. Aprilia confirmed that Bagnaia will take over Martin?s seat on the factory RS-GP from the start of the 850cc era. This transfer is part of a broader reshuffle involving Ducati, Yamaha, and Aprilia, with multiple sources highlighting the significance of Bagnaia?s signing as an early and decisive move in the rider market ahead of the regulation change.
In addition to the technical and competitive considerations, Aprilia has emphasized the Italian identity of its 2027 rider lineup. Bagnaia will join compatriot Marco Bezzecchi, forming an all-Italian pairing that Aprilia chairman Michele Colaninno and Rivola have framed as a ?twin-man power-team.? Rivola stated that he and Colaninno share a vision of ?supporting Italy? through this lineup, which is intended to strengthen Aprilia?s national brand and presence in global motorsport. Official communications describe the Italian duo as both a sporting and branding asset for the team.
Bagnaia?s decision to join Aprilia reportedly involved turning down a higher financial offer from Yamaha. Sources including Paddock-GP report that Bagnaia accepted a pay cut to align with Aprilia?s technical project and to race alongside his friend Bezzecchi. This move is portrayed as a strategic choice based on confidence in Aprilia?s ability to develop a competitive 850cc machine rather than purely financial incentives. Bagnaia himself confirmed prior to the official announcement that he had ?just decided? his future plans for 2027 while still under contract with Ducati.
Media outlets such as Autosport and Motorsport.com have characterized Bagnaia?s transfer as one of the headline moves of the 2027 MotoGP rider market, highlighting its impact on the championship landscape. Coverage consistently references Rivola?s ?horses rather than donkeys? remark as emblematic of Aprilia?s intent to work exclusively with elite riders, positioning Bagnaia as a key figure in the team?s future.
The signing was formally announced by Aprilia on a Thursday, with multiple outlets reporting the deal as official and long-term. Giornalemotori and Crash.net framed the move as the beginning of a new chapter for Bagnaia and Aprilia, marking a significant shift from his Ducati tenure. The four-year contract through 2030 aligns with Aprilia?s robust, long-term technical plan for the RS-GP under the 850cc regulations.
As the 2027 season approaches, Aprilia?s focus will be on developing its new 850cc machine with Bagnaia and Bezzecchi as the lead riders. The team?s strategy reflects both sporting ambitions and a commitment to promoting Italian talent and identity within the global MotoGP arena.
French motocross star Tom Vialle will make his World Supercross debut as a wildcard entry at the British Grand Prix on October 10, 2026, at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, MotoOnline reported. The high-profile appearance is part of the 2026 World Supercross Championship and marks Vialle?s first entry in the series, separate from his confirmed full-time move to MXGP with Honda HRC.
This event is part of the 2026 World Supercross Championship and represents Vialle?s first appearance in the series, distinct from his confirmed full-time move to the MXGP class with Honda HRC.
Vialle?s wildcard entry at the British Grand Prix on October 10, 2026, will take place at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, according to a report by MotoOnline.
The French rider, a two-time MX2 Motocross World Champion and two-time AMA Supercross 250cc East Champion, is set to compete in the World Supercross Championship as a wildcard rather than as a full-season contracted rider. MotoOnline specifically frames this as a wildcard entry, emphasizing that Vialle?s participation is limited to this single round rather than the entire 2026 season.
Vialle?s transition to the premier 450cc class is confirmed by Honda HRC, with NBC Sports reporting that he will move full-time to MXGP in 2026. His debut on the 450cc bike is scheduled for the Paris Supercross in November 2025, according to the NBC Sports report. This move aligns with AMA eligibility rules that restrict riders to a maximum of three total years in the 250SX class after winning two championships, as detailed by Racer X in May 2025. Vialle?s two consecutive 250SX East titles triggered this rule, necessitating his progression to the 450SX class for the 2026 season.
Prior to this 2026 wildcard announcement, Vialle had been linked to a wildcard entry for the 2025 Australian round of the World Supercross Championship. Racer X reported on July 16, 2025, that Vialle was added to the Australian GP roster, scheduled for November 29, 2025, on the Gold Coast. However, subsequent reports from MX Large and other sources indicated that Vialle withdrew from that planned wildcard appearance due to scheduling conflicts. Social media posts and other updates confirmed his removal from the WSX rider lineups for the 2025 Australian event, underscoring that his participation in that round was canceled.
The 2026 British Grand Prix wildcard entry is therefore distinct from the earlier 2025 Australian GP withdrawal. While the 2025 withdrawal is documented, the 2026 wildcard entry remains reported but not officially confirmed by World Supercross officials, as no formal press release or statement has been included in the available sources. Newsrooms are advised to seek direct confirmation from WSX organizers before publication.
Alexander Stadium in Birmingham is confirmed as the venue for the British Grand Prix round of the 2026 World Supercross Championship, with the race scheduled for October 10, 2026. This event is part of the expanding World Supercross calendar, which features multiple international rounds.
Vialle?s wildcard appearance comes during a transitional year in his career, as he shifts focus from the 250SX class to competing on the 450cc bike in MXGP. His previous achievements include two MX2 world championships and two AMA Supercross 250cc East titles, accomplishments that have shaped his eligibility and career trajectory for the 2026 season. His participation as a wildcard in the World Supercross series provides an opportunity to compete in a premier international event outside his full-time MXGP commitments.
Details regarding Vialle?s team, bike setup, or specific goals for the British Grand Prix wildcard appearance have not yet been disclosed. Further announcements or official statements from Honda HRC or World Supercross organizers may provide additional information as the event date approaches.
French motocross star Tom Vialle will make his World Supercross debut as a wildcard entry at the British Grand Prix on October 10, 2026, at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, MotoOnline reported. The high-profile appearance is part of the 2026 World Supercross Championship and marks Vialle?s first entry in the series, separate from his confirmed full-time move to MXGP with Honda HRC.
This event is part of the 2026 World Supercross Championship and represents Vialle?s first appearance in the series, distinct from his confirmed full-time move to the MXGP class with Honda HRC.
Vialle?s wildcard entry at the British Grand Prix on October 10, 2026, will take place at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham, according to a report by MotoOnline.
The French rider, a two-time MX2 Motocross World Champion and two-time AMA Supercross 250cc East Champion, is set to compete in the World Supercross Championship as a wildcard rather than as a full-season contracted rider. MotoOnline specifically frames this as a wildcard entry, emphasizing that Vialle?s participation is limited to this single round rather than the entire 2026 season.
Vialle?s transition to the premier 450cc class is confirmed by Honda HRC, with NBC Sports reporting that he will move full-time to MXGP in 2026. His debut on the 450cc bike is scheduled for the Paris Supercross in November 2025, according to the NBC Sports report. This move aligns with AMA eligibility rules that restrict riders to a maximum of three total years in the 250SX class after winning two championships, as detailed by Racer X in May 2025. Vialle?s two consecutive 250SX East titles triggered this rule, necessitating his progression to the 450SX class for the 2026 season.
Prior to this 2026 wildcard announcement, Vialle had been linked to a wildcard entry for the 2025 Australian round of the World Supercross Championship. Racer X reported on July 16, 2025, that Vialle was added to the Australian GP roster, scheduled for November 29, 2025, on the Gold Coast. However, subsequent reports from MX Large and other sources indicated that Vialle withdrew from that planned wildcard appearance due to scheduling conflicts. Social media posts and other updates confirmed his removal from the WSX rider lineups for the 2025 Australian event, underscoring that his participation in that round was canceled.
The 2026 British Grand Prix wildcard entry is therefore distinct from the earlier 2025 Australian GP withdrawal. While the 2025 withdrawal is documented, the 2026 wildcard entry remains reported but not officially confirmed by World Supercross officials, as no formal press release or statement has been included in the available sources. Newsrooms are advised to seek direct confirmation from WSX organizers before publication.
Alexander Stadium in Birmingham is confirmed as the venue for the British Grand Prix round of the 2026 World Supercross Championship, with the race scheduled for October 10, 2026. This event is part of the expanding World Supercross calendar, which features multiple international rounds.
Vialle?s wildcard appearance comes during a transitional year in his career, as he shifts focus from the 250SX class to competing on the 450cc bike in MXGP. His previous achievements include two MX2 world championships and two AMA Supercross 250cc East titles, accomplishments that have shaped his eligibility and career trajectory for the 2026 season. His participation as a wildcard in the World Supercross series provides an opportunity to compete in a premier international event outside his full-time MXGP commitments.
Details regarding Vialle?s team, bike setup, or specific goals for the British Grand Prix wildcard appearance have not yet been disclosed. Further announcements or official statements from Honda HRC or World Supercross organizers may provide additional information as the event date approaches.
Jorge Martin secured pole position for the Dutch MotoGP at Assen on Saturday with a fastest lap of 1:30.812, narrowly edging Ai Ogura by 0.011 seconds. According to official qualifying results, Aprilia achieved its first-ever front-row lockout in MotoGP history, with Martin, Ogura, and Marco Bezzecchi all riding Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes.
Martin?s pole lap of 1:30.812 was just 0.011 seconds faster than Ai Ogura, who qualified second on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26, according to official qualifying results released Saturday at the TT Circuit Assen. Marco Bezzecchi completed the front row in third place, 0.033 seconds behind Martin, also riding an Aprilia RS-GP26 for Aprilia Racing.
This marked the first time in Aprilia?s MotoGP history that the manufacturer secured the entire front row on the grid, officials confirmed.
The top five qualifiers were separated by a mere 0.118 seconds, with Raul Fernandez and Francesco Bagnaia rounding out the group in fourth and fifth place respectively. Fernandez, another Trackhouse Aprilia rider, was 0.067 seconds slower than Martin, while Bagnaia, riding a Ducati Lenovo, was 0.118 seconds off the pole time. Fabio Di Giannantonio qualified sixth on a Pertamina VR46 Ducati, trailing Martin by 0.143 seconds. Marc Marquez, the seven-time premier-class world champion, qualified seventh on a Ducati Lenovo, 0.319 seconds behind the pole sitter, according to the official classification.
Aprilia?s dominance extended beyond the front row, with four Aprilia riders occupying the top four grid positions. Aprilia Racing?s Martin and Bezzecchi, along with Trackhouse Aprilia?s Ogura and Fernandez, underscored the manufacturer?s strong performance in the qualifying session. Dawn?s qualifying report highlighted that Martin outpaced the other Aprilia riders on the track, contributing to the historic front-row lockout. This performance was described by Sportstar and Quotidiano as an ?Aprilia qualifying sweep,? emphasizing the brand?s control over the Assen grid.
Martin?s pole position was his first since the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, ending a streak of more than 600 days without a pole, according to Sportstar. Dawn noted that this was Martin?s 21st premier-class pole position and that he entered the Assen weekend as the 2024 world champion. The qualifying result reinforced the ongoing intra-Aprilia championship battle, with Martin leading the standings by eight points over Bezzecchi, identified as the championship frontrunner by Dawn.
MotorsportWeek described Martin?s lap as ?three tenths shy of the lap record,? indicating that while no new record was set, the time was competitive. The existing Assen lap record stands at 1:30.540, set by Francesco Bagnaia during the 2024 Dutch MotoGP qualifying, as confirmed by multiple sources. Martin?s 1:30.812 time was approximately 0.3 seconds slower than that benchmark, underscoring the speed of the current Aprilia RS-GP26 package relative to past Ducati performances at Assen.
The session was tightly contested, with the entire front row separated by just 0.033 seconds. Quotidiano characterized Martin?s performance as a ?masterly time,? noting he edged Ogura ?by a hair? and then Bezzecchi. Sportstar reported that Martin?s pole-winning lap came late in the Q2 session, displacing Bezzecchi from provisional pole. The narrow margins showcased the intense competition among the Aprilia riders and the broader field.
On the same Saturday at Assen, Raul Fernandez won the 13-lap sprint race, with Ai Ogura finishing second and Fabio Di Giannantonio third, according to Dawn. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin finished fourth and fifth respectively in the sprint, both on Aprilia machinery. This combination of Martin?s pole position and Fernandez?s sprint victory contributed to an exceptional weekend for Aprilia at Assen, as noted by Dawn and other media outlets.
The qualifying session took place earlier on Saturday before the sprint race, setting the stage for Sunday?s grand prix with a grid featuring four Aprilias in the top four positions, a first for the Italian manufacturer. The broader qualifying order included Pedro Acosta in eighth place on a Red Bull KTM, Fabio Quartararo ninth on a Monster Yamaha, and Joan Mir tenth on a Honda HRC Castrol bike. Enea Bastianini qualified 11th, while Alex Marquez was 12th with no time registered in Q2, according to official timing sheets.
Martin?s pole at Assen highlights both a personal milestone and a technical achievement for Aprilia, closing the gap to Ducati?s historic lap record at the circuit. Records show Martin had previously qualified second at Assen in 2024, trailing Bagnaia by 0.081 seconds, demonstrating consistent pace at the venue. The 2026 Dutch MotoGP weekend continues the narrative of Aprilia?s rising competitiveness and the ongoing championship rivalry among its riders.
Jorge Martin secured pole position for the Dutch MotoGP at Assen on Saturday with a fastest lap of 1:30.812, narrowly edging Ai Ogura by 0.011 seconds. According to official qualifying results, Aprilia achieved its first-ever front-row lockout in MotoGP history, with Martin, Ogura, and Marco Bezzecchi all riding Aprilia RS-GP26 bikes.
Martin?s pole lap of 1:30.812 was just 0.011 seconds faster than Ai Ogura, who qualified second on his Trackhouse Aprilia RS-GP26, according to official qualifying results released Saturday at the TT Circuit Assen. Marco Bezzecchi completed the front row in third place, 0.033 seconds behind Martin, also riding an Aprilia RS-GP26 for Aprilia Racing.
This marked the first time in Aprilia?s MotoGP history that the manufacturer secured the entire front row on the grid, officials confirmed.
The top five qualifiers were separated by a mere 0.118 seconds, with Raul Fernandez and Francesco Bagnaia rounding out the group in fourth and fifth place respectively. Fernandez, another Trackhouse Aprilia rider, was 0.067 seconds slower than Martin, while Bagnaia, riding a Ducati Lenovo, was 0.118 seconds off the pole time. Fabio Di Giannantonio qualified sixth on a Pertamina VR46 Ducati, trailing Martin by 0.143 seconds. Marc Marquez, the seven-time premier-class world champion, qualified seventh on a Ducati Lenovo, 0.319 seconds behind the pole sitter, according to the official classification.
Aprilia?s dominance extended beyond the front row, with four Aprilia riders occupying the top four grid positions. Aprilia Racing?s Martin and Bezzecchi, along with Trackhouse Aprilia?s Ogura and Fernandez, underscored the manufacturer?s strong performance in the qualifying session. Dawn?s qualifying report highlighted that Martin outpaced the other Aprilia riders on the track, contributing to the historic front-row lockout. This performance was described by Sportstar and Quotidiano as an ?Aprilia qualifying sweep,? emphasizing the brand?s control over the Assen grid.
Martin?s pole position was his first since the 2024 Australian Grand Prix, ending a streak of more than 600 days without a pole, according to Sportstar. Dawn noted that this was Martin?s 21st premier-class pole position and that he entered the Assen weekend as the 2024 world champion. The qualifying result reinforced the ongoing intra-Aprilia championship battle, with Martin leading the standings by eight points over Bezzecchi, identified as the championship frontrunner by Dawn.
MotorsportWeek described Martin?s lap as ?three tenths shy of the lap record,? indicating that while no new record was set, the time was competitive. The existing Assen lap record stands at 1:30.540, set by Francesco Bagnaia during the 2024 Dutch MotoGP qualifying, as confirmed by multiple sources. Martin?s 1:30.812 time was approximately 0.3 seconds slower than that benchmark, underscoring the speed of the current Aprilia RS-GP26 package relative to past Ducati performances at Assen.
The session was tightly contested, with the entire front row separated by just 0.033 seconds. Quotidiano characterized Martin?s performance as a ?masterly time,? noting he edged Ogura ?by a hair? and then Bezzecchi. Sportstar reported that Martin?s pole-winning lap came late in the Q2 session, displacing Bezzecchi from provisional pole. The narrow margins showcased the intense competition among the Aprilia riders and the broader field.
On the same Saturday at Assen, Raul Fernandez won the 13-lap sprint race, with Ai Ogura finishing second and Fabio Di Giannantonio third, according to Dawn. Marco Bezzecchi and Jorge Martin finished fourth and fifth respectively in the sprint, both on Aprilia machinery. This combination of Martin?s pole position and Fernandez?s sprint victory contributed to an exceptional weekend for Aprilia at Assen, as noted by Dawn and other media outlets.
The qualifying session took place earlier on Saturday before the sprint race, setting the stage for Sunday?s grand prix with a grid featuring four Aprilias in the top four positions, a first for the Italian manufacturer. The broader qualifying order included Pedro Acosta in eighth place on a Red Bull KTM, Fabio Quartararo ninth on a Monster Yamaha, and Joan Mir tenth on a Honda HRC Castrol bike. Enea Bastianini qualified 11th, while Alex Marquez was 12th with no time registered in Q2, according to official timing sheets.
Martin?s pole at Assen highlights both a personal milestone and a technical achievement for Aprilia, closing the gap to Ducati?s historic lap record at the circuit. Records show Martin had previously qualified second at Assen in 2024, trailing Bagnaia by 0.081 seconds, demonstrating consistent pace at the venue. The 2026 Dutch MotoGP weekend continues the narrative of Aprilia?s rising competitiveness and the ongoing championship rivalry among its riders.