Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia is entering a decisive season for his future at the factory Ducati team, and Davide Tardozzi has told the Italian rider what he must do to regain his former confidence.
In MotoGP’s latest bike launch for the upcoming season, Ducati showcased the prototype that Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez will be riding atop in 2026 as the latter looks to defend his seventh world title.
The livery featured a nod to the Italian constructor’s history in the premier class, with designers adding some white accents to the paint job in celebration of Ducati’s centenary as a motorcycle manufacturer.
Ducati fans are huge admirers of the new look, but the most important thing for Borgo Panigale is making sure both of their riders are able to showcase the exact reason why MotoGP’s most dominant team in recent years have put its faith in them.
For Bagnaia, the upcoming campaign marks more than just a new livery. #63’s contract is up at the end of the term, and he desperately needs to make a case for why he deserves an extension to it.
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Davide Tardozzi tells Francesco Bagnaia that he must ‘live with’ the pressure that comes with being a MotoGP rider
During an interview with GPOne at Ducati’s launch event in Italy, team chief Davide Tardozzi was asked about his expectations for Bagnaia after what was the Italian rider’s worst campaign to date at the factory team.
With Bagnaia’s first goal being to prove himself worthy of a new deal, the opening few race weekends will play a big part in Ducati’s decision-making.
Tardozzi played down the opening few rounds only being important for Bagnaia, replying to comments saying that he will be under examination with, “Who isn’t under scrutiny? Even the world champion is under scrutiny.
“Under scrutiny to prove himself again, we are all under scrutiny, us to improve the bike, the world champions to prove themselves again, and Pecco to rebuild himself.
“Being under scrutiny or, as they say, under pressure is part of our world, you have to live with it.”
According to a recent report, Marquez’s new Ducati deal has already been ‘finalised’, and is expected to be announced before the first round of the season in Thailand.
Confirmation of a new deal for Marquez would put Bagnaia under even more pressure to perform in the first half of the season.
Ducati have been linked with a multitude of impressive riders for the 2027 MotoGP campaign, including Pedro Acosta, who has been rumoured to have signed a deal with Borgo Panigale over the winter break.
- READ MORE: Francesco Bagnaia shares what the ‘atmosphere’ at Ducati has been like since Marc Marquez joined
Marc Marquez’s new Ducati contract looks a done deal 👀 but who should be his teammate in 2027?
Despite the uncertainty, Francesco Bagnaia is feeling relaxed about his Ducati future
Of course, the 29-year-old was asked about his Ducati future by journalists at Madonna di Campiglio during the launch event.
Bagnaia asserted that he was ‘extremely relaxed’ on the topic, citing that he will be thinking about his renewal once the time comes.
If he were to depart from Borgo Panigale, VR46 Racing have emerged as a ‘safety net’ due to his ties with Valentino Rossi and the icon’s VR46 Riders Academy.
Whether he will be open to a satellite ride for the Italian constructor remains to be seen. As a two-time premier class champion, there may be plenty of factory outfits who would be interested in acquiring his services.
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