Neil Hodgson says Ducati will make no effort to keep Pecco Bagnaia, they’re focused on another rider

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Francesco Bagnaia will no longer be wearing Ducati red from 2027, Neil Hodgson says. The two-time MotoGP champion may be more relieved than any other rider to see the season conclude this weekend.

Bagnaia has been with the Ducati factory team since 2021 and is one of the brand’s biggest legends. He’s won two Grands Prix and two Sprints this year, scoring a total of 15 podiums.

But for the most part, it’s been a desperate year. Bagnaia has suffered eight DNFs – more than any other rider in the top eight – and finished outside the points on a further eight occasions.

After placing either first or second in the last four seasons, he’s now at risk of finishing fifth. Worst of all, neither he nor Ducati can explain the drop-off, and Hodgson doesn’t believe a solution is forthcoming.

Francesco Bagnaia ‘may be forced to just wait’ in MotoGP rider market

Speaking in September, Hodgson said there was a 90% chance Bagnaia would lose his Ducati ride when his contract expires next year. And writing in his TNT Sports column ahead of Valencia, he took an even firmer stance.

Now he says there’s ‘no way’ whatsoever that Bagnaia will stay. Ducati will pour ‘all their effort’ into retaining world champion Marc Marquez instead because he’s the rider they want to build around.

Marquez is thinking ‘very carefully’ about his future, which suggests negotiations with the Spaniard could be drawn out.

As for Bagnaia, Hodgson fears he may become an afterthought in the market.

“Next year, there are so many contracts up for renewal, including his, and I think there’s no way he will be re-signed by Ducati,” he wrote. “He’s now in such a weak position that he may be forced to just wait and see what else is available.

“Ducati Lenovo have got the main man in Marquez, and understandably, all their effort will be making sure they have him in place for 2027 and beyond.”

Two teams are showing interest in Pecco Bagnaia despite Ducati struggles

Hodgson’s reading of the market may not be entirely accurate. There are those in the paddock who keenly remember Bagnaia’s pomp.

Indeed, a report just this week noted that Honda and Yamaha are interested in Bagnaia for 2027. A big-ticket factory ride could still be on the table.

There’s no guarantee Ducati are still MotoGP’s top team under the new regulations. There’s a chance that being forced out will actually benefit Bagnaia.

Who is the leading candidate to replace him? Ducati will surely promote Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini if they’re satisfied with his second season, though a blockbuster move for Pedro Acosta or Fabio Quartararo certainly shouldn’t be ruled out.