Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia’s future at Ducati is under scrutiny for 2027, but Valentino Rossi could provide him a safety net, in more ways than one.
The Italian has gone from being Ducati’s lead rider and golden talent to playing second fiddle to Marc Marquez. The team have made it clear that the 2025 champion is their priority with 2027 contracts.
Marquez has reportedly signed his Ducati contract, extending until 2028, meaning that Bagnaia would now, in theory, be free to negotiate his new terms. However, rumours are strongly suggesting that the 29-year-old will be leaving at the end of 2026.
Where did it all go wrong for Francesco Bagnaia in 2025?
A comparison between Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia's 2025 Grand Prix results
Pedro Acosta is being heavily linked with the Bologna Bullets in 2027, which would leave Bagnaia out of the team. Rumours have suggested that he could return to Rossi and his VR46 team, but he could also face leaving the Ducati setup altogether.
Bagnaia has ruled out joining a satellite Ducati team, meaning that he would have to find a new manufacturer if he leaves Borgo Panigale. While Rossi’s own team is off the table, the MotoGP legend could help him with another move.
Valentino Rossi’s new partnership with Yamaha could give them ‘extra incentive’ to sign Francesco Bagnaia
Bagnaia had been linked with Yamaha in 2025 as his struggles with the GP25 prompted speculation about his future. The Iwata outfit have longed to sign the Italian, but no deal materialised for 2026.
But with Bagnaia’s Ducati contract expiring at the end of the year, and with Fabio Quartararo threatening to leave Yamaha, the door could be open for 2027. And that is where Rossi could come in to help facilitate the move.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Rossi is Yamaha’s greatest MotoGP rider in history, winning four of his seven premier class titles in the 2000s. He established himself as a global icon with the team, and remains closely connected with them to this day – VR46 has even been in talks with Yamaha to join them for 2027.
As per a report from MOW, Rossi has recently entered a new partnership with Yamaha through his VR46 Racing Apparel. As well as being a brand ambassador, it could give the Iwata outfit ‘extra incentive’ to sign Bagnaia.
With Quartararo looking likely to leave in 2027, the Ducati rider’s signing would at least mean that Yamaha is not ‘left without a great champion’ in their line-up.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
Francesco Bagnaia may know he is better off away from Ducati
MotoGP agents think the 2027 grid is already decided, or will be finalised by the start of the 2026 season. It would suggest that Bagnaia’s fate at Ducati has already been sealed.
In many ways, it would be a harsh judgment, given that the 29-year-old has not had the time to prove his case. The GP26 is set to be a much easier bike to handle than its predecessor, which should help Bagnaia drastically.
However, Bagnaia may have realised he is better off leaving Ducati and joining another factory. While Marquez is there, the chances of him winning the title on the same bike are almost impossible, as 2025 proved.
A change of scenery could be what he needs, and Yamaha could have the tools for him to perform if the V4 bike proves to be competitive.
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