Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia faces a challenging situation regarding his future at Ducati in MotoGP.
With his contract expiring at the end of 2026, the Italian’s position in the team is being called into question. He suffered a miserable 2025 campaign, finishing fifth in the standings with two wins.
Bagnaia was a shell of his past self, having won two MotoGP titles with Ducati in 2022 and 2023, and came close to a third in 2024. However, 2025 brought immense struggles as he could not adapt to the GP25.
Prove me wrong: Francesco Bagnaia’s confidence is the first thing he must improve
Bagnaia felt he could have done more to get used to the bike, but no matter what he and the team tried, he could not find the right balance. Davide Tardozzi could not explain Bagnaia’s struggles by the end of the season.
It was a confusing situation, especially with how Marc Marquez was dominating the grid on the other side of the garage. It has now left Bagnaia in the dark about his future in red.
Davide Tardozzi reveals Ducati’s ‘primary concern’ as talks with Francesco Bagnaia are yet to take place
Naturally, Ducati have reiterated that the world champion is their priority in contract negotiations for 2027. They want Marquez tied down before focusing on their second rider.
As it happens, Marquez has reportedly signed an extension with Ducati that takes him until 2028. If true, it opens the door for Bagnaia to begin his negotiations, but Tardozzi says such talks have not started yet.
Speaking to Speedweek, the Ducati team manager admitted that the Bologna Bullets are worried about the 29-year-old’s form and if he can convince them that he is still the same rider that won them two titles.
“The primary concern is convincing us that he’s the same Pecco we know very well. We’re not yet in negotiations with Pecco,” said Tardozzi.
“We’ll proceed step by step – the first step being to finalise the deal with Marc. Once he’s made his decision, we’ll talk to the other rider.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
What are Francesco Bagnaia’s options for 2027?
Bagnaia’s future will be a topic of discussion for many throughout the 2026 season. Even Aprilia boss Massimo Rivola shared his thoughts, stating that Marquez would partner with KTM rider Pedro Acosta in a ‘match made in heaven’ in 2027.
Luigi Dall’Igna had a brilliant response to Rivola, telling him to focus on his own team. But Ducati will have to address Bagnaia’s situation sooner rather than later.
The Italian will need to get off to a good start in 2026 if he wants any chance of staying at Ducati. He should have a slight advantage over Marquez to begin with, given that his feedback has developed the GP26 to this point, while his teammate has been injured.
Francesco Bagnaia will finish … in the MotoGP championship in 2026
But if his form does not improve, he could find himself out of the factory team. VR46 could be an option for Bagnaia in 2027, but Valentino Rossi will likely want his academy product to commit to his team in early 2026.
Yamaha have also longed to sign the 29-year-old. Bagnaia is ‘extremely relaxed’ about his future and is focused on his performances, but he will need to start delivering the goods.
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