Enea Bastianini is making a huge jump, officially ditching Tech3 KTM’s “struggling package” for the SuperFile Trackhouse squad on Aprilia machinery. This isn’t just a rider switch; it’s a two-season deal starting in 2027 that promises to put “The Beast” right into the mix with a team that’s been a “genuine front-runner” this year.
The Beast Eyes New Glory
This move is all about getting to the sharp end of the grid. Trackhouse confirmed the signing on August 24, locking in Bastianini to partner Raul Fernandez, who just renewed his deal. Bastianini steps into the seat left by Ai Ogura, who is off to Yamaha. Look, it’s no secret Tech3 KTM has been a tough ride, and Trackhouse Aprilia? They’ve been a regular presence at the top of the championship all year, a huge upgrade from what Bastianini’s been “enduring.” Tech3 even posted a farewell on social media, thanking him for the “commitment, the racing, the laughs and the moments along the way” over two seasons. Tough break for them, but this is a power play for Bastianini.
A New Era, A Proven Winner
This isn’t just a new team; it’s a whole new game. Bastianini still has to finish out 2026 on the RC16, but his move lines up perfectly with a major MotoGP reset. He’ll be stepping onto a new-era Aprilia RS-GP, built around incoming regulations for 2027: reduced-capacity 850cc machinery, revised tires, and a fresh rulebook. Pre-season testing at Valencia after the 2026 finale means he gets an early crack at developing that new bike.
And let’s be real, his resume backs this up. The Italian snatched the 2020 Moto2 title, then crushed it as a MotoGP rookie in 2021 with two podiums. In 2022, he bagged wins in Qatar, COTA, France, and Aragon, finishing third overall. After an early-season injury in 2023, he roared back in 2024 with nine Grand Prix podiums, including two wins and two Sprint victories, ending the year fourth overall. This dude knows how to win.
Bastianini himself is “extremely excited” for this “real new challenge,” especially with a team that has “grown a lot during 2026” and “become a title contender.” Trackhouse owner Justin Marks called the signing a “statement of intent” for a squad he believes is “on the verge of greatness.” Marks is looking forward to “chasing trophies and creating memorable moments” with Bastianini and Fernandez. Sounds like a winning formula to me!
So, Enea still has the rest of 2026 to push the RC16 to its limits. But when that chapter closes, it’s straight to Valencia for testing the new Aprilia. The stakes couldn’t be clearer: this team is gunning for trophies, and “The Beast” is exactly the kind of rider you want leading that charge into a totally new era of MotoGP. Get ready for some wild rides!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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