Enea Bastianini is now free to finalise his expected switch to Trackhouse Aprilia for the 2027 MotoGP season after KTM’s contract option officially expired.
Bastianini joined KTM’s Tech3 squad on a two-year deal alongside Maverick Viñales, with the contract including an option for the Austrian manufacturer to retain him for 2027.
According to Sky Italia, KTM failed to activate that clause before the deadline, allowing the Italian to negotiate freely with rival teams.
The seven-time MotoGP race winner is widely expected to join Trackhouse Aprilia, with reports suggesting personal terms had already been agreed some time ago.
The move would see Bastianini race for his fifth MotoGP team and become an Aprilia rider for the first time, marking his third different manufacturer in the premier class after Ducati and KTM.
Bastianini enjoyed several standout moments during his stint with KTM, including a podium finish at Catalunya last season and Tech3’s only podium of the current campaign with third place in the Sprint at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA).
At Trackhouse, Bastianini is set to partner Raul Fernandez, replacing Ai Ogura, who is expected to move to Yamaha’s factory team for the 2027 season.
