Maybe it was only a sporting gesture, however Massimo Rivola’s reward for Francesco Bagnaia’s efficiency on the Sepang MotoGP take a look at did nothing to dampen rumors linking the previous champion to Aprilia for 2027.
Amid reviews that Ducati is lined up KTM star Pedro Acosta to interchange Francesco Bagnaia alongside former 850cc champion Marc Marquez, Bagnaia completed the take a look at with solely a win over Alex Marquez within the dash simulation.
Requested about his future, Bagnaia teased: “There’s an awesome alternative on the desk in entrance of me. I am going to decide quickly.”
One such “nice alternative” is rumored to be with Aprilia.
On the eve of this week’s pre-season testing, Noale grew to become the primary producer to formally announce a contract extension for Bagnaia’s shut buddy Marco Bezzecchi with the manufacturing unit group for 2027.
Nevertheless, with Bezzecchi’s beleaguered teammate Jorge Martin nonetheless injured and already linked with a transfer to Yamaha, the manufacturing unit second seat is in excessive curiosity.
Aprilia emerged as Ducati’s principal rival final season, successful 5 of the final 10 races (Dash and GP) regardless of Marc Marquez being absent on account of harm.
Sepang was an exception, being Aprilia’s solely season-ending spherical with no podium or race win.
Nevertheless, Bezzecchi set the quickest time within the ultimate session and ended the beginning of pre-season testing in second place total over the three days behind Gresini Ducati’s Alex Marquez.
Regardless of this, Bezzecchi’s dash simulation tempo was nonetheless one step behind the chief Desmosedisis.
Marco Bezzecchi, 2026 Sepang MotoGP Check (Gold & Goose).
“I am pleased with the truth that the Aprilia 26 is healthier than the 25,” Rivola mentioned. “Once more, we are able to see that Noale is an excellent firm and never solely can they construct nice bikes, however they’re bettering their efficiency yearly.
“However… I can say that everybody has grown. Honda could be very quick, Ducati is the reference once more and KTM was higher than final yr. So, I believe it will likely be a really fascinating championship, to be trustworthy. Once more, (Ducati) is within the lead, however we are going to keep within the slipstream.”
Leading edge dash simulation, Sepang MotoGP take a look at
“I am glad that Pekko has change into so sturdy and is again right here.”
Rivola praised Bagnaia’s efficiency when requested for his predictions for this yr.
The Italian, who endured a sizzling yr in 2025 with occasional durations of fine outcomes, pulled away from the Marquez brothers throughout the dash simulation, giving him a 1.4 second lead over Alex in whole time, however after 10 laps he was forward of Marquez by the identical margin.
“Nicely, as I mentioned, I believe Ducati remains to be the reference. We simply noticed a really sturdy dash simulation from Pecco. I am completely happy to see Pecco come again so sturdy right here,” Rivola mentioned.
“It is a observe that Alex actually likes and he was very quick. It is a observe that Honda assessments quite a bit and so they had been all very quick. So, to be trustworthy, I believe you guys are going to have plenty of enjoyable watching the races this yr.”
The ultimate pre-season take a look at can be held in Buriram, Thailand, on February 21-22.
