Three Francesco Bagnaia replacements ‘keep coming up’ in the MotoGP paddock ahead of 2026 season

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Francesco Bagnaia’s future at Ducati could be in jeopardy in 2026 following a dismal 2025 campaign.

The Italian finished fifth in the standings with just two wins, having struggled to find a feeling on the GP25. Marc Marquez dominated the championship on the same bike, winning 11 Grand Prix and 14 Sprints, leaving Ducati baffled by his teammate’s struggles.

Bagnaia’s engineers tried to help him find the right balance on the machine, which they seemed to achieve in Japan after he claimed a double win. But with the same setup, he did not finish the final five races of the season.

Such a torrid end to the year has led to speculation that the two-time MotoGP champion could be out of the Borgo Panigale outfit come 2027. Bagnaia wants to stay at Ducati, but they may look elsewhere if his situation does not improve.

Marquez thinks Bagnaia still has a ‘future’ at Ducati, but after 2025, it is no surprise that the team are already looking at alternatives when his contract expires in 2026.

Fermin Aldeguer, Fabio Quartararo and Alex Marquez ‘keep coming up’ as possible Francesco Bagnaia replacements

Reports have suggested that Pedro Acosta is in a ‘dominant’ position to join Ducati in 2027. The KTM star wants to ride for the Borgo Panigale outfit and is a top target to replace Bagnaia, but he is not the only one under consideration.

According to a report from Paddock GP, ‘three names keep coming up’ in the MotoGP paddock as Bagnaia’s future at Ducati faces uncertainty.

Firstly, Fermin Aldeguer is a top candidate, having signed a two-plus-two deal with Ducati in 2025. A ‘favourite of Gigi Dall’Igna’, he heads into his sophomore year with Gresini in 2026, and a strong season for the Spaniard could put him in contention.

Secondly, Fabio Quartararo has been linked with Ducati as he puts pressure on Yamaha to build him a competitive bike. Joining the Borgo Panigale outfit would be a dramatic move in the MotoGP rider market, but Marquez could deny Quartararo joining Ducati with his salary demands.

Finally, Alex Marquez is also in the frame following a brilliant 2025 campaign on the GP24. While Marquez is happy at Gresini and is not necessarily eyeing a factory seat, things could change come 2027.

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

Francesco Bagnaia can secure a new Ducati contract in 2026

The 2026 season is critical for Bagnaia. He needs to improve his form on the GP26 and close the gap to Marc Marquez, or face leaving Ducati.

Yamaha are plotting a move for Bagnaia in 2027, having been linked with the Italian throughout 2025. He could partner with Toprak Razgatlioglu if Quartararo leaves the Iwata outfit.

There is hope, however, for the 28-year-old to stay at Ducati. Bagnaia can secure a new contract before the season starts if he is quick out of the gate in pre-season.

But that new deal might not be ideal for the Italian. Bagnaia ‘must’ take a pay cut to stay at Ducati in 2027 to free up funds for Marquez’s new contract, with the Spaniard demanding a bigger salary.