It’s also widely expected that Pedro Acosta will replace him next year, switching from KTM, while Bagnaia will move to Aprilia.
Ducati confirm Bagnaia departure after 2026 season
Ducati general manager Luigi Dall’Igna said in a press release:
“Pecco is one of those riders with whom the spark ignited immediately. We sought him out and wanted him from a very young age to build a project around him. He’s fast and, above all, clever. The goal was to bring the Desmosedici GP to its full potential. We achieved it. Thanks to the work of the entire Team and the technology, but above all, thanks to Pecco’s talent, which, 15 years later, has brought Ducati’s red back to the top of the rankings.
“During all these seasons spent together, we’ve built a mature and solid relationship, founded on gratitude, trust, and respect. It’s the same relationship that has allowed us to overcome difficult times, always united. Pecco will forever remain a Champion in the history of Borgo Panigale and in my personal history as well.
“With Ducati, he fulfilled his childhood dreams, and we achieved ours alongside him. In relationships, it’s not always easy to recognise and understand when a cycle has ended and change is needed. The deep bond of mutual affection that unites us will not change and will be the key for managing all the races till the end of the season and for closing this journey on a high note”.
Emotional tributes from Ducati leadership
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali added:
“Pecco has written some of the most memorable chapters in Ducati’s history, bringing the MotoGP World Title back to Borgo Panigale in 2022 after the first one secured in 2007. That triumph marked the beginning of the most successful era for the brand in the premier class, with four Riders’ Titles won, two of them by Pecco himself.
“The 2022 title has a special meaning for me, as it was the culmination of a restructuring process within Ducati Corse that allowed us to return to the forefront after a particularly difficult period. But sporting results tell only part of Pecco’s value: his clean and elegant riding style (I like to call him “Il Pinturicchio”), together with his great fairness on track – combined with remarkable determination when overtaking – made Ducatisti fall in love with him. On top of that, he is a great professional and a great person away from racing.
“The most recent seasons have been more challenging from both a sporting and technical point of view, but I am sure Pecco will give his all until his very last day in red and will be happy to meet all the fans at the upcoming World Ducati Week, taking place from 3 to 5 July in Misano. He will surely thrill us on his Panigale V4 during the Lenovo Race of Champions! On behalf of everyone at Ducati, our heartfelt thanks, Pecco.”
The announcment comes just a day after Ducati confirmed a new deal for Marquez until 2028.
Marquez completely dominated the previous season, winning 11 races and wrapping up the title early, while Bagnaia ended the campaign fifth in the riders’ championship.
It was a stark drop off for the 29-year-old who finished runner-up the previous season, and won back-to-back titles before that.