Francesco Bagnaia will depart Ducati at the end of the 2026 MotoGP campaign and will switch to Aprilia in 2027, concluding his eight‑season spell with the factory outfit.
Bagnaia’s Exit and the Arrival of Pedro Acosta
Bagnaia’s move follows the decision to slot KTM talent Pedro Acosta into the role of Marc Márquez’s teammate on the Ducati platform for 2027, a spot that will be vacated by the departing Italian.
Since Márquez joined Ducati in 2025, Bagnaia has positioned himself as the second‑best rider, trailing Márquez by 257 points after that season’s fifth‑place finish. The 2025 campaign proved a stark contrast to Bagnaia’s prior successes, where he led the rank of competitors.
Legacy on the Desmosedici and Ducati’s Tribute
Bagnaia, who secured championship titles in 2022 and 2023, ended a 15‑year title drought for the manufacturer. Ducati management has pledged a distinctive farewell, recognising his 31 victories and 13 races remaining in the current calendar.
“Pecco is one of those riders with whom the spark was immediate,” said Ducati boss Gigi Dall’Igna. “He was fast, but above all, intelligent. The goal was to bring the Desmosedici to the highest level of its potential and together we achieved that.” The team also highlighted the enduring bond between rider and outfit, stating it would remain strong throughout the remaining season.
Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali reflected on the 2022 triumph, noting that it “represented the culmination of Ducati’s restructuring process, which allowed us to return to the forefront after a difficult period.” Bagnaia’s departure will leave the 2027 lineup without an Italian rider for the first time since 2010.
April‑April Future and Rivalry Landscape
Bagnaia will strengthen the Aprilia program by pairing with Marco Bezzecchi, while reigning rival Jorge Martin is set to move to Yamaha. Aprilia’s current position at the top of the 2026 standings, ahead of Ducati, underscores the shift in competitive dynamics.
The transition signifies that Bagnaia will remain a championship contender, now driving a rival machine in an environment that has already reshaped the sport’s hierarchy over the past years.
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