Aprilia are reportedly looking at Fabio Di Giannantonio as a backup option to their main target, Francesco Bagnaia. Massimo Rivola is expected to be in the market for a new rider, with Jorge Martin set to leave.
Martin has agreed to join Yamaha following a difficult debut season with Aprilia. He was unable to activate an exit clause in his contract and ended up missing almost two-thirds of the races due to injury.
Fabio Quartararo’s move to Honda opened up a seat at Yamaha for Martin. Despite Aprilia making solid strides in 2025, it wasn’t enough to keep him on board.
Marco Bezzecchi has extended his deal with Aprilia, but the search is now on for someone to fill the spot alongside him.
Aprilia include Fabio Di Giannantonio on their 2027 shortlist
Aprilia have upped their offer to Bagnaia, who looks set to lose his Ducati spot to Pedro Acosta. With Martin moving on, Rivola is aiming to build an all-Italian line-up.
But Yamaha are also pushing hard for Bagnaia. There’s a real chance they could take one of Aprilia’s riders and keep them from signing the replacement they want.
Bastianini isn’t the only name being considered. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fabio Di Giannantonio has also come up in discussions as a possible fit for Aprilia. His future at VR46 is up in the air after a tough season.
Even with questions about Bagnaia’s form, he still finished ahead of fellow GP25 rider Di Giannantonio. Diggia did outperform both teammate Franco Morbidelli and rookie Fermin Aldeguer, but a sixth-place finish was still short of expectations.
Aprilia are not the only club with an eye on Fabio Di Giannantonio
Di Giannantonio has just one Grand Prix win to his name so far – the 2023 Qatar GP – but did add a few more podiums last season, bringing his total up to six.
There is also the possibility that Gresini could bring Di Giannantonio back, with signs pointing to Alex Marquez potentially moving to KTM. Even so, a spot in Aprilia’s factory team might be hard for him to pass up.
Speculation is already swirling that Rossi could overhaul both seats after this year. VR46 have been heavily linked with World Superbikes contender and Ducati test rider Nicolo Bulega.
While Diggia seems likely to stay in MotoGP, Franco Morbidelli may follow Bulega’s lead and switch disciplines instead.
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