An era in MotoGP will come to an emotional close at the end of the 2026 season after Ducati Corse officially confirmed that Francesco Bagnaia will leave the factory team following eight remarkable years together.
The announcement marks the end of one of the most successful partnerships in Ducati’s modern racing history, with Bagnaia helping return the Riders’ World Championship to Borgo Panigale for the first time in 15 years when he captured the 2022 title. He went on to secure a second world championship, cementing his status as one of Ducati’s greatest-ever riders.
Across his time with the factory squad, the Italian amassed 31 Grand Prix victories, the highest total by any rider in Ducati history, alongside 62 podium finishes and 28 pole positions, establishing himself as one of the defining figures of the Desmosedici era.
Bagnaia’s rise mirrored Ducati’s transformation into MotoGP’s dominant force. Having joined the Ducati project as a young talent, the Italian developed into a multiple-time world champion while leading the Desmosedici GP back to the pinnacle of premier-class racing.
His success ended Ducati’s long wait for another riders’ crown since Casey Stoner’s championship triumph in 2007, ushering in a new golden era for the Italian manufacturer.
Although both parties will go their separate ways after the 2026 campaign, Ducati stressed that Bagnaia remains fully committed to finishing the season on a high.
Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali described Bagnaia as one of the most influential riders in the manufacturer’s history.
“Pecco has written a fundamental part of Ducati’s sporting history. He grew up with us, believed in the project and helped bring the Desmosedici GP back to the top of MotoGP, ending a 15-year wait for the Riders’ Championship.”
Domenicali also praised Bagnaia’s professionalism and character beyond his achievements on the track.
“Pecco is a champion both on and off the circuit. His respect for the team, dedication and professionalism have made him one of the most important figures in Ducati’s history. We know he will continue giving everything until his final day in red.”
Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna revealed that Bagnaia had always been central to Ducati’s long-term vision.
According to Dall’Igna, Ducati identified Bagnaia’s potential early in his career and built a project around his talent, ultimately achieving their shared dream of returning Ducati to MotoGP’s summit.
“Pecco is one of those riders where the connection was immediate. We wanted him from a very young age because we believed we could build a winning project together.”
He added that while every successful partnership eventually reaches its conclusion, the respect and affection between both sides remain unchanged.
“With Ducati, he fulfilled his childhood dreams, and we fulfilled ours alongside him. Sometimes you have to recognise when a cycle has come to an end. That won’t change the mutual respect and gratitude we share, and it will help us finish this season in the best possible way.”
Bagnaia’s departure follows Ducati’s confirmation that Marc Marquez has extended his contract through the end of the 2028 season, signalling the beginning of a new era for the factory outfit.
For Bagnaia, however, the focus remains firmly on completing his final campaign with Ducati before embarking on the next chapter of his career.
Credit Photo : MotoGP
