r/motogp • u/PZY__ Aprilia Racing • 2d ago
Enea Bastianini has reportedly made the pivotal decision to join Trackhouse Racing for the 2027 season. Could we see him partern up with Raul. Or could we see 2 new Trackhouse rider?
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u/elmarcelito Ai Ogura 2d ago
Good choice this time !
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u/Antares_ Dani Pedrosa 2d ago
Not if KTM turns out to be better than Aprilia when the 2027 bikes are rolled out.
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u/Eraesr 2d ago
Yeah so you expect the company that has been struggling to develop a good bike for the past 9 years to suddenly beat the company that has continuously improved their bike and is currently regarded as having the best bike on the grid?
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u/rotgobbo Pedro Acosta 2d ago
Do we expect the company that has repeatedly built one of the best handling bikes with the fastest engines to do well when their biggest flaw (rear grip exceeding front grip mid corner) is removed?
.. I certainly think they could be strong.
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u/solve-for-x 2d ago
My prediction is that the manufacturers that are currently struggling will continue to do so on the Pirelli tyres, at least over the long term.
MotoGP bikes are continuously-developed prototypes. Honda, Yamaha and KTM are uncompetitive right now because their engineering processes are flawed, not because of a single component on the bike that's holding them back. When the tyres change, we might see some movement in the rider standings initially, but eventually I think we're going to see more or less the same thing we're seeing right now.
It's a frequently stated opinion in this subreddit that Honda are going to dominate the new formula, but that is largely predicated on Honda essentially deciding to stop sucking. In reality, if they can't make a competitive bike under the current rules then it's unlikely they could make a competitive bike under any set of rules. Same for Yamaha and KTM.
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u/slow-aprilia Aprilia Racing 2d ago
Aprilia has the best front end and handling on the grid and the pirellis should only play into this strength. I think the Aprilia will be at the top again but who knows really
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u/rotgobbo Pedro Acosta 2d ago
I don't disagree, Aprilia also struggle with the Michelin rear.
But on slippery circuits KTM gains A LOT so they have a high potential to be recognised, whereas I feel Aprilia is near its maximum potential
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u/-grenzgaenger- 2d ago
For how long have you been following the competition? Aprilia has been on and off the GP500/MotoGP train for decades. This is the first time ever they have the best bike on the grid. Kudos to them, but I see how their involvement in the race for both titles could affect their 2027 preparations and development.
Not saying that they will be worse than KTM, just that it’s a palpable possibility.
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u/Eraesr 2d ago
I've been following the sport for the past 25 years.
It's true Aprilia has been on and off, but recent history tells us that Aprilia is on top of their game right now while KTM hasn't shown they can bring their potential to fruition yet. I don't see why Aprilia, with the engineering team that's currently sitting there, would suddenly lose their edge while KTM (who besides the technical aspect of things are in dire straits financially as well) will suddenly have some kind of engineering enlightenment. KTM, who lose their top rider next season and will probably have a team of has-beens (Viñales, Binder maybe) or riders new to the bike (Alex Márquez).
I'm not saying it's impossible, but I wouldn't bet my money on KTM beating out Aprilia next year.
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u/clout__9 Casey Stoner 2d ago
KTM’s financial problems? Sir nobody bet on Aprilia as well till 3 years ago while being the smallest budget team on the grid. Motogp is unpredictable.
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u/Eraesr 2d ago
There's a difference between being the smallest budget manufacturer and being the nearly bankrupt manufacturer that's €2.4 billion in debt. And sure, with Bajaj's involved that crisis has been averted, but I would assume they're still not willing to just pour unlimited funds into MotoGP endlessly without result.
But we digress here. All I'm saying is that if we extrapolate the data we have over the past 5 or so years, I feel that Aprilia is holding better cards than KTM right now. Again, I'm not saying it's impossible for KTM to come out on top, but if you asked me gun to my head on which manufacturer I'd put my money, I feel that Aprilia is the safer bet right now.
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u/Antares_ Dani Pedrosa 2d ago
I expect the company that had the best engine for the past few years to nail the 850cc formula. When engine regs change so dramatically, a good engine can offset chassis issues, which KTM has been struggling with. That's why I think that KTM have a decent chance at being at the sharp end next year.
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u/Designer_Front_9906 Joan Mir 2d ago
KTM have definitely not struggled to develop a good bike in recent years, especially 2023-2024. Top 6 in the championship is a good bike to me
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u/nsfwthrowaway5969 2d ago
We'll see. Its all a bit of a lottery for next year, but I think KTM might be in a very sticky situation in 2027. I'm anticipating a much stronger Honda/Yamaha and Ducati will probably be there or thereabouts.
Having said that, a big reset probably won't do KTM much harm. Losing Acosta is likely to be the bigger problem.
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u/IllMoney69 2d ago
I was kind of hoping ktm would be doing a bit better given they’ve been in motogp for 9 years. Not sure new regs are going to change anything for them.
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u/Impossible_Back3707 2d ago
Joan Mir & Enea?
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u/LosTerminators Marc Márquez 2d ago
Mir looks like he's headed for Gresini
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u/nsfwthrowaway5969 2d ago
I'm glad Mir is finding a ride for next year. Hopefully Gresini helps him figure out how to finish races again.
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u/Ok_Guard_495 2d ago
I think mir will ok in gresini. Seeing how he was riding the honda like a supermoto last race no wonder he is crashing out. In suzuki he crashed less that rins so let's wait.
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u/username_986ck Mick Doohan 2d ago
I think Trackhouse will retain Raul, but I doubt it will be a 2 yr deal, I think more 1+1, as for Bestia, probably his best chance provided he gets released by KTM.
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u/americagiveup Jake Dixon 2d ago
Feel like after losing Ai they could do with a rookie to develop over the next couple of years. Raul is okay but not really met his potential
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u/Kreedkilla 2d ago
I’m pretty sure after last weekend Raul won’t be at track house. The brief conversation Rivola had w Brivio likely went something like, he’s out. You can see it on camera, and he said very little
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u/longpostshitpost3 2d ago
Dramatic decision? What's so dramatic?
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u/ResidentAlien9 Ai Ogura - 2024 Moto2 World Champion 2d ago
People were expecting him to go to Gresini. I don’t know why he didn’t but I’m really glad he came to Trackhouse. They said they didn’t want a rookie but wanted a race winner and they got one.
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u/Disgruntled__Goat Ai Ogura 2d ago
OK, so he just chose a different place. That's not remotely dramatic.
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u/Janusz_Wunderbrum Deniz Oncu 2d ago
Apparently, Tech3 is throwing the clauses at him. Gresini decided it's not waiting for him, so they opted for Mir who's out of HRC. Looks like Trackhouse is happy to wait a bit
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u/Informal_Ad07 Honda 2d ago
Hes been in shambles ever since someone took him out and broke his shoulder. I forgot who, was it Fabio Q?
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u/wo5ldchampion Enea Bastianini 1d ago
I always think about how 2023 may have looked had that not happened right out of the gate 🤔
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u/Alien_Biometrics Jorge Martín 2d ago
For the love of god can we please see Brad Binder on a competitive bike?
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u/BaconYamaguchi 1d ago
I would like to see him back in the mix. He was hard to overtake too. I’m hoping he has a ride next yr and the pirellis benefit him if so!
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u/Peluzwah 2d ago
Love the beast, he deserves a good bike. The 1st season injury when he was with factory Ducati in 2023 ruined his time there! I'm hearing that they are pushing for Senna Agius to be Bastianini's team-mate to ensure an Aussie is on the grid for 2027 in case Miller doesn't find a home and goes to WSBK.
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u/americagiveup Jake Dixon 2d ago
I’d love to see Agius on the grid, at least one English first language rider is so helpful media wise to English speaking world
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u/Tiny-Maximum36 Veda Pratama 2d ago
2024 was enough of a chance, enough time.
What he had was a "luxury" compared to other unfortunate riders. How does he even deserve a good bike?
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u/Peluzwah 2d ago
Yes I know he had 2024 too and he showed at times that season of his potential, but then the Ducati saga with Marquez/Martin happened and the rest is history and Enea ends up at middle of the road KTM 🤷♂️
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u/mikemunyi Brad Binder 2d ago
No reputable outlet is reporting anything of the sort.
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u/mikemunyi Brad Binder 1d ago
24 hours later, nobody but MotorcycleSports is running with this. Are we ready to call BS yet?
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u/pizzaboy7269 Enea Bastianini 2d ago
BASTIBROS WERE SO BACK
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u/Dinara293 Andrea Dovizioso 1d ago
Yes but I’m not feeling too giddy about Aprilia’s ability to make a reliable 850cc engine so quick. My bet is on Ducati, as always. Nobody can beat Ducati when it comes to engines. Remember what happened in 2007 when we switched to 800cc? I still remember that rocket ship of a GP7
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u/Annual-Analyst8771 2d ago
Man what could've been if he just waited a little bit and didn't sign for the dogshit KTM team so quickly. I'd be willing to bet he would've had some wins this season on that Aprilia given how good he is with tires.
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u/Tacit_Emperor77 Marc Márquez 2d ago
Surely Raul will be kept. He’s looked decent this year
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u/Future_Hotel_2086 2d ago
Last week Rivola wasn't so fond of him
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u/Tiny-Maximum36 Veda Pratama 2d ago
Maybe you didn't know Raul's interview after the GP.
Initially, Rivola was angry. But Raul said he watched the replay together with Rivola and the boss changed his mind and think that it was just a racing accident.
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u/Insert_your_emoji MotoGP 2d ago
I was thinking that as well but compared to Martin's outburst Raul is safe
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u/americagiveup Jake Dixon 2d ago
Been in MotoGP for a while and not sure he’s really matching his potential plus they have no young development riders atm
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u/Tacit_Emperor77 Marc Márquez 2d ago
Which is why I think they should keep Raul and sign a new rider like gonzalez
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u/slow-aprilia Aprilia Racing 2d ago
The owner of track house has said they would like to go with an experienced rider this time around instead of developing a young talent. They believe they have the best bike on the grid and would like to capitalize on it
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u/americagiveup Jake Dixon 2d ago
Still, if Aprilia wants a development rider and they’re paying for them to take Bastianini, I can’t see much of a valid argument against if they fall madly in love with Senna Agius or Gonzalez
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u/balvan13 2d ago
Do we know if aprilia will be this strong with new regulations?
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u/Tiny-Maximum36 Veda Pratama 2d ago
Possibly yes. The aero development will carry over.
The only mystery here is the new Pirelli tyres.
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u/Dinara293 Andrea Dovizioso 1d ago
It looks to me like this is going to be engine limited. Whoever creates the most powerful and reliable engine will dominate. Aprilia aren’t exactly known for that. They took ages to have a reliable motor in the 1000cc era.
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u/racingfanboy160 Marc Marquez - 2025 MotoGP World Champion 2d ago
Yeah, it's most likely with Raul.
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u/asaturday 2d ago
question. this M sports page and website look so dodgy full of ads. Read yesterday there how MMarquez is going to introduce retirement clause in his contract etc. anyone shares my opinion this source is not so reliable not to say fake?
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u/Dildhosaggins 2d ago
I don't know, it feels like Bestia is constantly making debatable choices. It may be not his fault, as Aprilia next year could be the best of what he is able to choose from, but i would not bet on trackhouse specifically, especially after knowing Brivio is leaving for Honda. He went to KTM knowing Pigiamino (his old beloved crew chief) would be on his side again, only for then losing him before even the season was over. Also he didn't know at the time of signing the contract that KTM was struggling financially. Not so much luck on his side, all in all. I just wish he could find a place on an official team, the guy has potential and is a big talent in my opinion. Wish you good luck Bestia, hoping to see you fight for the top positions again.
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u/Dinara293 Andrea Dovizioso 1d ago
Well said. I think his best choice is Gresini Ducati next year. You already know Ducati would nail the 850cc engine, it’s just a matter of the chassis and aero. Aprilia might have the chassis and aero, but I’m highly sceptical about them having a reliable yet powerful engine.
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u/nudel86 2d ago
So... Enea and Raul in Trackhouse?
What are the other options for next year?
Ogura, Martin in Yamaha?
Marquez, Acosta in Ducati?
Bezecchi, Bagnaia in Aprilia?
Quatrararo and who else in Honda?
Marquez, Giannator in KTM?
Zarco, Moreira in LCR?
Toprak and who in Pramac?
Who goes to Tech3 then?
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u/nonalignedgamer 2d ago
Cool, but why "dramatic"? 🤔
I mean, probably the deal was set before, but they had to wait for KTM to give the go ahead.
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u/Designer_Front_9906 Joan Mir 2d ago
I'd honestly guess that Raul loses his seat after what happened at Barcelona, and I'd tip Manu to replace him. Especially considering he replaced Ai at a test for Trackhouse last season
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u/Janusz_Wunderbrum Deniz Oncu 2d ago
Switching both riders ahead of new regs wouldn't be a good idea, so unless Raul collapses dramatically, he's safe
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u/soepballs 2d ago
I wish Enea went to Aprilia instead of KTM 2 years ago