Francesco Bagnaia will leave Ducati at the end of the 2025 season to sign a four‑year deal with Aprilia, confirming the move on the eve of the Assen MotoGP race.
April’s Long‑Term Commitment
The contract, confirmed after pre‑season talks, will pair Bagnaia with fellow VR46 alumnus Marco Bezzecchi. All‑Italian pairing is expected to slide into the Aprilia factory lineup for the 2026 campaign.
Bagnaia’s 2025 Performance Snapshot
Motegi proved decisive last year, giving Bagnaia an early seasonal advantage and a pole‑position plus victory. The moment, however, was eclipsed by Marc Márquez’s record‑tying seventh premier‑class championship.
While Bagnaia hinted at a shift in his mindset after the Japanese Grand Prix, he declined to explain the underlying reasons with detail, noting that more suitable timing was needed for such insights.
Letter of Farewell to Ducati
In a late‑season social‑media post, Bagnaia released a letter to Ducati, expressing gratitude for an eight‑year partnership that saw the team’s historic success. He stated that, although the season would finish with Ducati, a formal goodbye was warranted, and he wanted to share the best memories, rather than a simple “ciao.”
Pre‑Season Speculation and Final Decision
Throughout the winter, speculation floated that Bagnaia might join Yamaha, particularly after Honda‑bound Fabio Quartararo announced a lateral move. Ultimately, Aprilia secured the rider, aligning with long‑term objectives that Bagnaia cited as the correct juncture.
Valencia: The Last Ducati Race
The November Valencia Grand Prix will be Bagnaia’s final outing for Ducati, closing a chapter that made him the marque’s most successful rider in history.
Bagnaia’s decision, driven by recent struggles and a desire for new challenges, marks a significant pivot for both the rider and the teams involved as the MotoGP season progresses.
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