Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati have now confirmed that two-time premier class title-winner Francesco Bagnaia will leave their factory MotoGP team at the end of 2026.
The Italian constructor’s confirmation of Bagnaia’s exit comes after they confirmed Marc Marquez will remain at the factory team through to 2028.
Who will regret this split more, Francesco Bagnaia or Ducati?
News of Bagnaia’s departure emerged ahead of the current campaign, but it was understood that each of the grid’s brands were withholding announcements until a new commercial agreement was reached with MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group.
Pending official word from both parties, Bagnaia is widely expected to join Marco Bezzecchi at the factory Aprilia team next season, replacing his former title rival, Jorge Martin.
Francesco Bagnaia will be leaving Ducati at the conclusion of the 2026 MotoGP season
The announcement came over the recent Czech Grand Prix race weekend, with Ducati’s confirmation of Bagnaia’s exit marking the first real move in the MotoGP rider market.
The 29-year-old’s departure from Borgo Panigale comes after a successful stint with the team that has been marred by difficulties over the last 12 months.
Bagnaia ended Ducati’s title drought with his maiden championship in 2022, before adding another to his tally in the year following. He departs as the most successful rider in the Bologna Bullets’ history, with 31 wins, 68 podiums and 38 pole positions being claimed in red.
In the Borgo Panigale-based factory’s announcement, team manager Luigi Dall’Igna wished his outbound rider all the best for the future, saying, “Pecco is one of those riders with whom the spark ignited immediately.
“We sought him out and wanted him from a very young age to build a project around him. He’s fast and, above all, clever. The goal was to bring the Desmosedici GP to its full potential. We achieved it.
“Thanks to the work of the entire team and the technology, but above all thanks to Pecco’s talent, which, 15 years later, has brought Ducati’s red back to the top of the rankings.
“During all these seasons spent together, we’ve built a mature and solid relationship, founded on gratitude, trust, and respect. It’s the same relationship that has allowed us to overcome difficult times, always united.
“Pecco will forever remain a Champion in the history of Borgo Panigale and in my personal history as well.”
Are Aprilia making a mistake signing Francesco Bagnaia in 2027?
Francesco Bagnaia shares heartfelt message with Ducati fans following exit confirmation
Bagnaia himself took to social media to address Ducati fans directly in a heartfelt message. Posting to X (formerly Twitter), the Italian wrote, “You were my dream, and you’ve become the most wonderful reality I’ve ever known.
“When I joined MotoGP with Ducati, I thought I’d already achieved something indescribable, but you’ve made me believe in it more and more.”
He later added, “We’ve grown together, we’ve weathered every kind of situation together without ever giving up, and we’ve always spurred each other on to give our all.”
Bagnaia then detailed the reasoning for his exit, admitting, “Last season, it was difficult to see eye to eye; we clashed more than we’d have liked, and something began to change.
“I feel the need to start afresh with a new challenge, but I’ll never forget what we’ve been [through]. You’re part of me, and you always will be. I love you.”
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