Francesco Bagnaia to leave Ducati for Aprilia after 2026 season

Ducati and its reigning MotoGP champion Francesco "Pecco" Bagnaia have officially announced that their partnership will end at the close of the 2026 season. The split ends a collaboration that began in 2021 and produced two world titles (2022, 2023), 31 race wins, 62 podiums and 28 pole positions.

Ducati executives Claudio Domenicali and Gigi Dall'Igna praised Bagnaia's clean, elegant riding style and his role in restoring Ducati to the top of the premier class after a long drought. They confirmed the rider will remain with the team until the Valencia Grand Prix, after which he will join Aprilia for the 2027 campaign, teaming up with fellow Italian Marco Bezzecchi.

The move leaves a vacancy in Ducati’s rider line‑up; teammate Marc Márquez has signed on through 2028, while the factory will seek a new lead rider. Bagnaia’s departure marks the end of a highly successful era for both the rider and the Italian marque.