Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati chief Luigi Dall’Igna has admitted that he has “never been a fan” of the Francesco Bagnaia demand that Aprilia catered to in return for the Italian services from 2027.
Despite it being one of the worst-kept secrets inside the MotoGP paddock, Francesco Bagnaia’s departure from the factory Ducati team still sent shockwaves through the premier class following official confirmation of the move in June.
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Not only that, but the fact that the two-time world champion signed a four-year deal with the Noale-based team also raised eyebrows, especially considering the 2027 campaign will mark the first season of MotoGP’s new era of regulations.
Luigi Dall’Igna has ‘never been a fan’ of contracts longer than two years
During a recent interview with Motosprint, the Ducati chief was asked for a brief summary of his relationship with Bagnaia following confirmation that he will be departing Borgo Panigale at the end of the season after six years with the factory team.
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“We wanted Pecco, and he wanted us; it was simply written in the stars that we were meant to meet, and in the end, we did,” Dall’Igna began. “We managed to achieve something fantastic with him – a memory I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.
“That was 2022, when we won the world championship in the very last race – an incredible final race. I mean, when I think back on it, it still brings tears to my eyes, because it was also the first time I’d ever won a MotoGP world championship.
“I have some fantastic memories, and that’s what I always say, and what I always tell him. It often happens; things change over time. Pecco has been with us for a very long time and, honestly, I think it’s only natural, normal, to make a change after a while.”
Dall’Igna then voiced his opinion on Bagnaia signing a four-year deal with Aprilia, highlighting how he has “never been a fan” of giving a rider such a long deal.
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“I think it’s absolutely right to reach a certain point where you change, go your separate ways, but I’m saying this for both him and us: I’ve never been a fan of long-term contracts,” he said. “They’re too long. For me, a two-year contract is just right.
“They’re perfect because it gives you a certain amount of stability. But it also gives you the freedom to move on if things aren’t working out. And I’m saying this from both sides, so I reckon I’ll always stick to two-year contracts.”
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