P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Aprilia believes Marco Bezzecchi’s early 2027 contract removes pressure, as Massimo Rivola insists there is no rush to decide on his team-mate.
The 2027 MotoGP rider market saw a surge of speculation surrounding high-profile names, with Aprilia making the first significant move by extending Marco Bezzecchi’s contract until at least the end of the 2028 season before the Sepang MotoGP test. Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola emphasized the special connection between the team and Bezzecchi, praising his role in bike development and performance in the previous season.
Retaining Bezzecchi, who led Aprilia to a strong campaign, eases any distractions ahead of his second year as a factory rider, according to Rivola. While Bezzecchi’s renewal was expected, the focus now shifts to the identity of his future teammate, with Jorge Martin’s status uncertain amid links to other teams like Yamaha.
Despite the frenzied market, Aprilia remains calm about the second seat, considering options like Francesco Bagnaia. Martin’s recovery from surgery indicates a potential return at the final pre-season test in Thailand, with the team prioritizing his full recuperation for a strong season ahead. Rivola underlines the importance of Martin’s health and readiness for the challenging races at the start of the season.
