Ducati Corse and Bagnaia agree to split after 2026 season
Francesco 'Pecco' Bagnaia’s eight-year tenure with Ducati Corse will conclude at the Valencia Grand Prix, ending the most successful era for the Desmosedici GP.
Ducati Corse and Francesco 'Pecco' Bagnaia have mutually agreed to conclude their partnership at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season. The decision marks the termination of an eight-year cycle that saw the Italian rider become the most successful competitor in the history of the Desmosedici GP platform. Bagnaia’s final race for the factory team will be the Valencia Grand Prix, bringing a definitive close to a period defined by unprecedented sporting dominance.
Bagnaia joined the Ducati Lenovo Team as a rookie in 2019, having been identified as a promising talent from the Italian racing nursery. Over the course of his tenure, he secured two MotoGP World Championships in 2022 and 2023, alongside 31 victories, 62 podium finishes, and 28 pole positions. His 2022 title victory ended a 15-year drought for the manufacturer, which had last claimed the premier class crown with Casey Stoner in 2007.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali and General Manager Luigi Dall'Igna issued statements praising Bagnaia’s contributions, emphasising the structural and cultural impact of his time with the team. Domenicali described the 2022 triumph as the culmination of a restructuring process within Ducati Corse, noting that while recent seasons have presented sporting and technical challenges, Bagnaia remains a defining figure in the brand’s history.
The leadership confirmed that the team remains committed to achieving the best possible results for the remainder of the 2026 campaign. Both executives highlighted the mutual respect and professional growth fostered during Bagnaia’s time in the garages, with Dall'Igna noting that recognising when a cycle has ended is necessary for organisational evolution.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Bagnaia is expected to join the Aprilia factory team, potentially replacing current rider Jorge Martin. While these developments have generated significant speculation within the paddock, neither Ducati nor the rider has officially confirmed a destination beyond the conclusion of his current contract.
