“Aprilia has shifted focus away from Fabio Quartararo and pinpointed a new rider for recruitment.”
Aprilia is reportedly in discussions to secure the services of Enea Bastianini.
Following the rejection of their €4 million-per-year offer to Fabio Quartararo, the Italian manufacturer has set its sights on a new top target.
Quartararo has recently signed a new contract with Yamaha, worth three times the amount offered by Aprilia, which has reshaped the rider market landscape.
According to GPOne, Aprilia has now turned its attention to Bastianini.
“Negotiations for a switch in the 2025 MotoGP season have already commenced,” states the report.
Aprilia is keen on having an Italian rider leading their future endeavors.
However, Bastianini’s primary desire is to remain with the factory Ducati team.
With his contract expiring this season, there is fierce competition for his sought-after ride.
With Francesco Bagnaia locked into a long-term contract, the attention has shifted towards Bastianini’s position.
Jorge Martin from Pramac and Marc Marquez from Gresini emerge as the most probable contenders to replace Bastianini.
Should Martin or Marquez secure the factory seat next season, Bastianini would be left seeking a new team.
Rather than settling for a satellite Ducati role, he might opt for a switch to an Italian-based manufacturer willing to center their future plans around him.
Bastianini’s inaugural year in red was plagued by injuries, but he is beginning to regain form.
This weekend’s race at the Circuit of the Americas offers a prime opportunity for Bastianini to shine, having secured victory at the same track two years ago with Gresini.
At 34, Aleix Espargaro stands as the grid’s eldest rider, prompting Aprilia to focus on nurturing future talent.
Maverick Vinales’ recent triumph at Portimao showcased his exceptional skills, yet also highlighted their transient nature.
Neither of Trackhouse’s riders, Miguel Oliveira or Raul Fernandez, currently seem poised for a move to the factory Aprilia team.
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