After Fabio Quartararo turned down Aprilia’s offer, the Italian manufacturer has shifted its attention to Enea Bastianini, reportedly engaging in negotiations for the 2025 MotoGP season.
Quartararo’s decision to renew his contract with Yamaha, which offers a significantly higher salary than Aprilia’s proposal, has prompted Aprilia to pursue Bastianini as their new top target.
According to reports from GPOne, negotiations with Bastianini have already commenced, signaling Aprilia’s determination to secure an Italian rider to lead their future endeavors.
However, Bastianini’s preference is to remain with the factory Ducati team, where competition for coveted positions is fierce. With Francesco Bagnaia holding a long-term contract, Bastianini’s spot in the factory team is under scrutiny, with Jorge Martin and Marc Marquez from Pramac and Gresini respectively being potential contenders for his position.
Should Bastianini lose his place in the factory Ducati team, he may consider a move to Aprilia over accepting a satellite Ducati role, especially if Aprilia offers him a central role in their future plans.
Despite a challenging first year with Ducati due to injuries, Bastianini is beginning to regain form, with the upcoming Circuit of the Americas presenting an opportunity for him to shine, where he previously won for Gresini.
With Aleix Espargaro being the oldest rider on the grid at 34, Aprilia is keen to invest in younger talent for the future. Although Maverick Vinales showcased his brilliance with a sprint win in Portimao, his inconsistency raises concerns. Additionally, Trackhouse’s current riders, Miguel Oliveira and Raul Fernandez, are not currently positioned for a move to the factory Aprilia team.
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