Francesco Bagnaia and Ducati to Part Ways After the 2026 MotoGP Season

Two-time MotoGP World Champion will conclude an iconic eight-year partnership with Ducati at the Valencia Grand Prix.

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Ducati Corse has officially announced that Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia will leave the Ducati Lenovo Team at the conclusion of the 2026 MotoGP World Championship, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in the manufacturer’s premier-class racing history.

The season-ending Valencia Grand Prix will mark Bagnaia’s final race in Ducati’s factory colours, concluding an eight-year journey that transformed both rider and manufacturer into MotoGP’s dominant force.

End of a Historic Era for Ducati and Bagnaia

Since joining the Ducati family in 2019 as a MotoGP rookie, Bagnaia has played a pivotal role in the brand’s rise to the top of the sport. Over the years, the Italian rider developed alongside the Desmosedici GP, helping Ducati unlock the full potential of its MotoGP machine.

Together, Bagnaia and Ducati have achieved remarkable success, including:

• Two MotoGP Riders’ World Championships (2022 and 2023)
• 31 Grand Prix victories
• 63 podium finishes
• 28 pole positions

The partnership also delivered a historic milestone for Ducati, as Bagnaia secured the 2022 MotoGP title, ending the manufacturer’s 15-year wait for a riders’ championship since Casey Stoner’s triumph in 2007.

Today, Bagnaia stands as the most successful rider ever to race the Desmosedici GP in MotoGP competition.

A Partnership Built on Trust and Success

The collaboration between Ducati and Bagnaia has been about more than trophies and statistics. It has been a relationship built on mutual trust, technical development, and a shared ambition to reach the pinnacle of motorcycle racing.

Throughout his time with Ducati Corse, Bagnaia matured into one of MotoGP’s leading riders, while Ducati established itself as the benchmark manufacturer in the championship.

Despite announcing their separation, both parties have confirmed their commitment to finishing the 2026 season strongly and fighting for the best possible results until the final race.

Claudio Domenicali Reflects on Bagnaia’s Legacy

Ducati Motor Holding CEO Claudio Domenicali paid tribute to Bagnaia’s impact on the brand and its racing programme.

According to Domenicali, Bagnaia’s 2022 championship victory remains one of the most significant achievements in Ducati’s modern racing history, marking the beginning of a golden era that has seen the manufacturer capture multiple riders’ titles in MotoGP.

Beyond his sporting achievements, Domenicali praised Bagnaia’s professionalism, sportsmanship, and distinctive riding style, qualities that helped make him a fan favourite among Ducatisti around the world.

He also expressed confidence that Bagnaia will continue to give his maximum effort throughout the remainder of the season and looked forward to seeing him participate in the upcoming World Ducati Week celebrations in Misano.

Luigi Dall’Igna: “Pecco Will Always Be Part of Ducati History”

Ducati Corse General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna described Bagnaia as one of the key figures behind Ducati’s MotoGP success story.

Dall’Igna revealed that Ducati identified Bagnaia’s potential from an early stage and built a long-term project around the Italian rider. He credited Bagnaia’s intelligence, speed, and talent as crucial factors in helping Ducati return to the top of MotoGP.

He also highlighted the strong relationship that developed over the years, noting that mutual trust and respect allowed the team to overcome challenges and celebrate successes together.

While acknowledging that every chapter eventually comes to an end, Dall’Igna stressed that Bagnaia’s legacy at Ducati is permanent and that both sides remain focused on ending their journey together on a positive note.

Focus Remains on the 2026 MotoGP Season

Although Ducati and Bagnaia will go their separate ways after the Valencia Grand Prix, there is still unfinished business before the partnership concludes.

With several races remaining in the 2026 MotoGP season, the Ducati Lenovo Team and Bagnaia are determined to continue fighting for victories and championship success before closing one of the most successful chapters in Ducati Corse history.

As MotoGP’s rider market continues to evolve, attention will now turn to Bagnaia’s next destination and Ducati’s future rider line-up beyond 2026.