Marco Bezzecchi
Francesco Bagnaia’s future is facing huge uncertainty heading into the 2026 MotoGP season.
The Italian had been Ducati’s number one rider after winning the team two world titles in 2022 and 2023. He was their golden rider until Marc Marquez dethroned him in 2025.
The Ant of Cervera dominated the season with 25 wins, including Sprint races, and had the title wrapped by the Japanese GP. That weekend, Bagnaia collected only his second win of the year – he would not finish another Grand Prix after that.
Finish the sentence: In 2027, Francesco Bagnaia will be racing for…
Ducati were at a loss to explain Bagnaia’s woes in 2025 as he could not adapt to the GP25. His strengths in braking and corner entry were crushed by the bike’s difficult nature, ultimately leaving him in P5 in the championship.
Bagnaia will be desperate to improve his fortunes in 2026, and he will need to. With the MotoGP rider market exploding into chaos, speculation is growing about his future with Ducati.
Mauro Grassilli admits the rumours about Francesco Bagnaia’s future at Ducati are ‘not good’
Marquez has already signed his new Ducati contract, according to reports. The Borgo Panigale outfit made it clear that he was their priority, and once he was tied down, they would focus on the second rider.
Bagnaia is yet to prove his worth on the GP26 and show Ducati that he is still capable of performing at the front, but the Bologna Bullets may have already decided to cut ties with him.
Reports have suggested that Pedro Acosta has signed for Ducati and will be riding alongside Marquez from 2027. It leaves Bagnaia out of the factory team and needing to find a new manufacturer.
Ducati sporting director Mauro Grassilli addressed the rumours via Motosprint, and while he would not confirm whether they were true or not, he admitted that it was not looking good for Bagnaia.
“The goal is to focus on 2026 and make sure we serve Pecco in the best way possible, giving him all the tools,” he said. “We want to focus fully on this season. There are some rumours that are not good, but this is our sport and we have to adapt.”
READ MORE: Everything to know about Francesco Bagnaia from net worth to race number
What are Francesco Bagnaia’s options for 2027 if he leaves Ducati?
With a satellite team out of the question, Bagnaia will be searching for a new factory outfit if Acosta’s links to Ducati are true.
Yamaha are keeping tabs on Bagnaia and have been since 2025. They have longed to sign the 29-year-old, and he could partner Jorge Martin after he has allegedly been picked to replace Fabio Quartararo.
If you were Francesco Bagnaia, where would YOU go for 2027?
But Jorge Lorenzo has mentioned Aprilia to Bagnaia as an ‘excellent’ plan B if he leaves Ducati. Being an Italian team, he would be partnering with fellow countryman Marco Bezzecchi.
Ducati reserve and WSBK rider Nicolo Bulega also wants Bagnaia to join Aprilia if he leaves the Borgo Panigale outfit. It could be the fresh start he needs to recover his form.
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