Francesco Bagnaia was asked about the future at the launch of Ducati’s 2026 MotoGP bike. It’s clear from the start that this could be the team’s last year.
Bagnaya He is the only rider in Ducati history to win multiple championships, but his bond with the team was severely tested last season. No one from the garage side could explain his inconsistent results and the growing gap to Marc Marquez.
This has led to occasional finger-pointing, and Bagnaya is fifth in the standings, 257 points behind his world champion team-mate. Ducati They may feel that there are stronger options on the market now.
Indeed, it is widespread Speculation that Pedro Acosta will sign for Ducati And become Marquez’s 2027 teammate. Aprilia’s Massimo Rivola fired it up earlier this month.
Is Pedro Acosta joining Ducati inevitable?
Join the debate; Share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to make a comment
If that move happens, Bagnaia’s CV is still strong enough to attract multiple offers.
Francesco Bagnaia’s tone has changed when discussing Ducati’s future.
Although Ducati said they are not yet in negotiations with the Italian about an extension Bagnaya said he was ‘very relaxed’ about his condition.
The competition Simon Patterson, who attended the event in the Dolomites, noticed a change in the rider’s attitude.
Earlier, Bagnaia said he wanted to finish his career at Ducati. Now, he may be more open to the idea of ​​leaving.
Francesco Bagnaia in MotoGP future
Join the debate; Share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to make a comment
“Rather than thinking it’s time to get out, he seems to realize he needs to serve somewhere else,” Patterson said.
“Everyone finally realizes that being Marc Marquez’s teammate isn’t all that fun. Maybe Pedro Acosta realizes there’s a chance he’ll end up as Marc’s teammate next year.”
“Why don’t you get ahead of the curve? Why don’t you go to Rivola and put a contract in front of me when Massimo Rivola says you’re going to be fired, don’t offer me an offer or go and have a conversation with Honda before they sign George Martin.”
Which teams could Francesco Bagnaia join after leaving Ducati?
In the past, VR46 has provided a ‘safety net’ For Academy graduates who have lost seats elsewhere. Valentino Rossi’s team could be an option, although staying in the Ducati setup would be an uncomfortable result.
Unsurprisingly, Bagnaia’s choice is a factory seat. Whatever it is. This rider ranks in the top 10 of all time for premier class wins.
In the same interview in which he made predictions from Acosta to Ducati, Rivola called Bagnaia is the ‘challenger’ candidate for Aprilia. Patterson said former title rival George Martin could leave the team.
and during the holidays, Bagnaya has been linked with Honda and Yamaha.. There is a chance that every factory will enter 2027 with a new line.
