Francesco Bagnaia may soon have the perfect opportunity to leave Ducati and revive his MotoGP career

Add as preferred source on Google

Francesco Bagnaia is facing uncertainty with his Ducati future in MotoGP after a torrid 2025 season.

The two-time premier class champion has been despondent all year on the GP25. He has not adapted to the new Desmosedici, while teammate Marc Marquez has completely dominated him, winning the title at Motegi.

While this year’s bike has minimal differences from its predecessor, the GP25 has exposed a ‘weak point’ in Bagnaia, in that he cannot find any feeling from the new parts. His constant calls for changes to the bike have led to friction between Bagnaia and Ducati’s top management.

Bagnaia was shockingly linked to Yamaha earlier in the year, but these were shut down quicker than they arose. But now, the chances of the Italian leaving Ducati are higher than ever, with the 2026 MotoGP rider market set to kick in soon, maybe even after the Valencia post-season test.

Ducati have already set Bagnaia a deadline to convince them he deserves a new contract beyond 2026. With the team looking at potential replacements and not much expected to change until the new regulations in 2027, a change in manufacturer may be the way to revive his career.

Francesco Bagnaia could have the chance to join Aprilia if they lose Jorge Martin in 2027

The rider market can throw up some shocking rumours in the paddock, with the biggest in 2025 undoubtedly being Jorge Martin and his contract dispute with Aprilia. He tried to break his contract following months of injury earlier in the year and dissatisfaction with the RS-GP25.

Dorna blocked the Spaniard from moving for 2026 and everything seems harmonious again. However, there is no guarantee that Aprilia can keep him for 2027, with Honda seeing Martin as a top target – they were his preferred destination if he could get a move for next season.

If Aprilia were to lose Martin, Trackhouse rider Ai Ogura would be the natural replacement, given the potential he has shown in his rookie season. But according to journalist Simon Patterson, that path ‘isn’t there the way it once was’.

Speaking via The Race MotoGP Podcast, he says Aprilia will ‘go hunting’ for Bagnaia or Fabio Quartararo: “With Ogura, the biggest problem I see with Ogura is that the route to a factory Aprilia seat isn’t there the way it once was. Because I think Bezzecchi is going to be a long-term Aprilia stable.

“And I think the bike is good enough that, if they can’t retain Jorge Martín, then they’re going to go hunting for a Pecco Bagnaia or a Fabio Quartararo, because the bike is good enough.

“So I think that kind of limits Ogura’s options, unless he has a very good year. But, like Ogura remaining at Trackhouse for ‘27 and ‘28 will be the least surprising announcement, I think of the season.”

It is merely speculation at this point, but a move to Aprilia would be perfect for Bagnaia to revive his career. He would be moving to another Italian team, who will certainly have full confidence in him, and he will be riding a bike that is catching up to Ducati.

READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number

Aprilia are closing the gap to Ducati ahead of 2026

Ducati have remained the dominant force in MotoGP in 2025, wrapping up the riders’, manufacturers’ and teams’ titles. But while they have won all but three races, Aprilia are beginning to close the gap.

While Bagnaia has struggled on the GP25, Marco Bezzecchi has been making serious progress on the RS-GP25. The Italian was arguably Marquez’s closest competitor, up until the Spaniard’s injury at Mandalika, after the summer break, claiming four podiums since Spielberg.

Many are starting to argue that Aprilia have the fastest bike at certain circuits. Now, that could easily change in 2026 if Bagnaia suddenly feels better on the GP26, but Massimo Rivola is backing Martin and Bezzecchi to be title contenders in 2026.

The 2027 regulations could shake up the order, but Aprilia’s progress in 2025 is putting them in a good position for the future. It is the perfect place for Bagnaia to find his form again, on a bike that is beginning to take the fight to his current manufacturer.