Francesco Bagnaia will leave Ducati at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in recent history before joining Aprilia for the 2027 campaign.
The two-time world champion has been a central figure in Ducati’s rise, helping the factory end its long title drought with championship wins in 2022 and 2023. Across eight seasons with the Desmosedici, including six in the factory team, Bagnaia established himself as one of the key riders of Ducati’s modern era.
His departure comes during a period of change within the team, with Marc Marquez’s arrival reshaping the internal dynamic at Ducati. While Bagnaia previously led the squad, the evolving lineup and competitive pressures have set the stage for a major reshuffle in the coming seasons.
Source: Formula Passion
Ducati general manager Gigi Dall’Igna praised Bagnaia’s contribution, highlighting his role in building the team’s recent success and long-standing project with the manufacturer.
Attention now turns to Ducati’s future plans, with reports suggesting that KTM’s Pedro Acosta could be in line for a factory seat. A potential pairing with Marc Marquez would create one of the most high-profile lineups on the grid heading into the new regulations era.
Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia marks a major statement from the Noale-based manufacturer, which has steadily grown into a consistent frontrunner in MotoGP. He is expected to partner Marco Bezzecchi, forming a strong Italian-led lineup aimed at challenging for the championship.
The 2026 season will now carry added significance as Bagnaia prepares to close his Ducati chapter before beginning a new challenge with Aprilia, where expectations will be high from the outset.
