Pecco Bagnaia is set for a major transition in his MotoGP career as he prepares to join Aprilia next season—without the support of his long-serving crew chief, Cristian Gabarrini. According to recent reports from Italy, Gabarrini will remain with Ducati, where he is expected to work with rising star Pedro Acosta starting in 2027.
Bagnaia and Gabarrini’s partnership dates back to 2019, when the Italian made his premier class debut with Pramac Ducati. Gabarrini later followed Bagnaia to the factory Ducati squad in 2021, playing a pivotal role in all 31 of Bagnaia’s MotoGP victories and both of his world titles. Despite speculation over the winter linking Bagnaia to a possible Yamaha move, he has reportedly agreed to join Aprilia on a four-year contract, pending final confirmation between MotoGP and the manufacturers.
Paddock speculation had suggested that Bagnaia might bring Gabarrini with him to Aprilia, following the common MotoGP trend of riders moving with trusted crew chiefs. However, reports now confirm that Gabarrini will stay at Ducati, with Bagnaia opting for a fresh start at the Noale-based manufacturer.
At Aprilia, Bagnaia will team up with Daniele Romagnoli, currently crew chief for Jorge Martin, who joined Aprilia after winning the championship with Martin at Pramac. This strategic move gives Bagnaia access to Romagnoli’s two years of experience working with the RS-GP, positioning him well for a new chapter in his career.
The decision to part ways with Gabarrini is viewed as a significant but logical reset for Bagnaia, who endured a difficult 2025 campaign and a challenging start to 2026. With Aprilia’s continued rise and a new technical team, Bagnaia is poised to embrace a new environment—and new opportunities—as he seeks further MotoGP success.
