Enea Bastianini is trading Tech3 KTM's struggling package for one of the 2026 grid's genuine front-runners, joining the SuperFile Trackhouse squad on Aprilia machinery for the next two seasons.
Trackhouse confirmed the signing on August 24, with the Italian set to partner Raul Fernandez, who recently renewed with the American outfit. Bastianini fills the seat vacated by Ai Ogura, who is moving to Yamaha. The switch pairs "The Beast" with a team that has been a regular presence at the sharp end of the championship this year - a marked upgrade over the Tech3 KTM effort he's been enduring.
Tech3 announced the split in the week leading up to Aragon, posting a farewell to Il Romagnolo on social media. "After two seasons with the team, it's time to say goodbye to Enea Bastianini at the end of the year," the team wrote. "Thank you for everything you've brought to the team over the past two seasons: the commitment, the racing, the laughs and the moments along the way. We've still got a season to finish together, but we'll be wishing you all the good luck, Enea!" Bastianini still has the balance of 2026 to run out on the RC16 before closing that chapter.
The timing lines up with a broader reset across MotoGP. Bastianini steps into a new-era Aprilia RS-GP built around the incoming regulations, with the reduced-capacity 850cc machinery, revised tires, and a fresh rulebook all landing at once. Pre-season testing kicks off at Valencia after the 2026 finale, giving him an early run at development work on the new bike.
Bastianini's resume backs up the move. The Italian took the 2020 Moto2 title, scored two podiums as a MotoGP rookie in 2021, then won in Qatar, COTA, France, and Aragon in 2022 to finish third in the standings. An early-season injury blunted his 2023, but he rebounded in 2024 with nine Grand Prix podiums, including two wins and two Sprint victories, ending the year fourth overall.
"I am extremely excited to join the SuperFile Trackhouse MotoGP Team for the next two MotoGP Championships," Bastianini said. "It is going to be a real new challenge for me as we are entering a new era with a new bike, new tires and new regulations. The team has grown a lot during 2026 and it has become a title contender - for sure I will do my best for us to stay on top."
Team owner Justin Marks framed the signing as a statement of intent for a squad he believes is "on the verge of greatness." Marks pointed to Bastianini's "racing pedigree, his MotoGP winning history, and his experience at the top of this game," adding that the team is looking forward to "chasing trophies and creating memorable moments over the next few years" alongside the Italian and Fernández.
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