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Marco Bezzecchi Extends Aprilia Contract: Championship Leader Stays with Noale Factory for 2027 and 2028

◷ 5 min read Last updated 27 Jun 2026 · 06:01 BST

Current MotoGP championship leader Marco Bezzecchi has signed a new multi-year contract, committing his future to the factory Aprilia Racing team for 2027 and 2028.

In a major move for the MotoGP rider market, current championship leader Marco Bezzecchi has signed a new contract to remain with the factory Aprilia Racing team. The multi-year deal secures the Italian star’s services through the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

This announcement is a huge statement of intent from both Bezzecchi and Aprilia. It provides long-term stability for one of the sport’s top riders and ensures the Italian manufacturer keeps its star man for a crucial upcoming period in MotoGP.

What exactly does this deal mean?

For a rider, a ‘multi-year contract’ like this one is fantastic news. It means they have guaranteed employment with a top team for several seasons, allowing them to focus purely on racing without worrying about their future.

Bezzecchi is staying with the ‘factory’ Aprilia team. In MotoGP, a factory team is the official squad run directly by the manufacturer itself—in this case, Aprilia, based in Noale, Italy. These teams get the newest bike developments and the highest level of engineering support, making them the most desirable seats on the grid.

By signing this extension, Bezzecchi and Aprilia are confirming their partnership will continue for the foreseeable future, building on the success they are currently enjoying.

A mechanic makes precise adjustments to the front of an Aprilia MotoGP bike in the team garage.

Why is the timing of this so significant?

The length of the contract is the most important detail here, especially its extension into 2027. The entire sport of MotoGP is set for a major shake-up that year, with the introduction of brand-new technical regulations.

These new rules will change the bikes significantly, affecting everything from engine size to —the complex wings and bodywork you see on the bikes that help them stay planted on the track at incredible speeds. Every team will have to design a completely new motorcycle from the ground up.

By committing to each other now, Bezzecchi and Aprilia are showing immense faith in their ability to navigate this new era together. It gives the engineers a consistent, top-level rider to provide feedback during the development of their new machine, and it gives the rider stability and a central role in a huge project.

Who is Marco Bezzecchi?

If you’re new to MotoGP, Marco Bezzecchi is one of the sport’s brightest stars. The Italian rider has enjoyed a rapid rise to the top and currently leads the world championship standings, marking him out as the rider to beat.

He is a product of the famous VR46 Riders Academy, a programme organised by the legendary Valentino Rossi to develop young Italian talent. After impressing on satellite machinery, Bezzecchi earned his place in the official factory Aprilia team and has since proven himself to be a consistent front-runner and title contender.

Marco Bezzecchi battles for position with a rival rider as they brake hard into a corner.

What does this mean for the championship fight?

For the current season, this news is a big positive for Bezzecchi. With his future secured for the long term, he can eliminate any distractions and focus 100% of his energy on winning his first MotoGP world title.

It also sends a clear message to his rivals. One of the most sought-after riders is now officially off the market for the next few years. This settles a key piece of the rider puzzle, allowing other teams and riders to make their own plans around this major confirmation.

How does this affect Aprilia?

For Aprilia, securing the championship leader is a massive success. It confirms their status as a top-tier factory team that can not only build a race-winning bike but also attract and retain the very best riders in the world.

This stability is crucial as they prepare for the 2027 rules. Knowing their lead rider is locked in allows for clear, long-term technical planning. With fellow top rider Jorge Martín also signed to the team, Aprilia has created a formidable rider line-up that is the envy of the , positioning them strongly for the future.

The Aprilia Racing team celebrates a successful result in their pit lane garage.

Quick Takeaways

  • Championship leader Marco Bezzecchi will continue to ride for the factory Aprilia Racing team.
  • His new contract runs until the end of the 2028 season, a significant long-term commitment.
  • The deal provides vital stability for both rider and team ahead of major new bike rules in 2027.
  • This move solidifies Aprilia’s position as a top team and locks in one of the sport’s biggest stars.

Quick questions

Q.Who is Marco Bezzecchi?
Marco Bezzecchi is a professional Italian motorcycle racer, currently competing for the factory Aprilia Racing team and leading the MotoGP World Championship.
Q.What is a 'factory' MotoGP team?
A factory team is the official racing division of a manufacturer, like Aprilia. It receives the best funding, the latest technology, and direct engineering support from the company.
Q.Why is a contract for 2027 and 2028 so important?
MotoGP is introducing a completely new set of technical rules in 2027. Securing a top rider now gives the team crucial stability and consistent feedback as they design their new bike.
Q.Which team did Bezzecchi sign for?
He has extended his contract with his current team, the factory Aprilia Racing squad based in Noale, Italy.