During the unveiling of Ducati’s 2026 MotoGP machine in Madonna di Campiglio, general manager Luigi Dall’Igna stirred debate over Francesco Bagnaia’s place within the team. The Bologna-based outfit presented its new GP26, decorated in a matte Rosso Centenario livery with a double white stripe to celebrate Ducati’s 100th anniversary. With 99 MotoGP Grand Prix victories under their belt, Ducati continues to build momentum heading into the new season.
In the 2025 season, Marc Marquez and Bagnaia together secured 13 Grand Prix wins for Ducati. Marquez led the charge with 11 victories en route to clinching the championship, while Bagnaia won in America following Marquez’s crash and later took victory from pole position in Japan. Marquez wrapped up the 2025 MotoGP title early, after five rounds, boasting a 201-point advantage over Alex Marquez and finishing the season with 267 points more than Bagnaia after 17 races.
Prioritizing Marc Marquez Over Bagnaia Draws Criticism from Experts
Despite his victories, Bagnaia’s season fell short of expectations as he slipped to fifth in the final standings, with the Japanese Grand Prix win remaining his only podium result in the final seven races. Luigi Dall’Igna, along with Ducati’s leadership, has publicly stated that extending Marquez’s contract is their foremost priority. The six-time world champion’s contract expires at the end of this year, and Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali, together with team manager Davide Tardozzi, have underscored Marquez’s renewal as the team’s main focus.
However, former Ducati team principal Livio Suppo criticized Dall’Igna’s public comments that relegated contract talks with Bagnaia until after Marquez’s deal is finalized. Suppo described the statement as “not entirely appropriate,” especially given Bagnaia’s struggles throughout the season. He emphasized the need for cautious communication to support the rider rather than alienate him.
“Gigi is a technical genius, but that statement wasn’t entirely appropriate”
, Suppo told Fanpage.
“Pecco had a season far below expectations. And when you’re already struggling, certain words become harsh.”
“Marquez does not need public encouragement, he’s a self-sustaining player. Pecco, on the other hand, is different, and you have to pay more attention to communication, too, if you want to help him.”
Bagnaia’s Future Uncertain as Ducati Eyes Pedro Acosta for 2027
Dall’Igna’s remarks and the subsequent reports that Ducati plans to sign Pedro Acosta for the 2027 season have reinforced speculation that Bagnaia’s tenure with the Italian factory team may be coming to an end. Acosta, a rising star from KTM, is expected to join Marquez at Borgo Panigale on a two-year deal, with Marquez himself reportedly agreeing to extend his own contract for two more years.
Bagnaia, who has twice claimed the championship with Ducati in 2022 and 2023 and narrowly missed out on titles in 2021 and 2024, now faces an uncertain future amid team priorities shifting toward Marquez and incoming talent. With Fabio Quartararo moving to Honda in 2027 and Yamaha preparing to bring in Jorge Martin as Quartararo’s replacement, Bagnaia might explore opportunities elsewhere—including rival Japanese teams or Italian competitor Aprilia—to continue his MotoGP career.
Implications of Ducati’s Strategic Choices on Bagnaia and the MotoGP Landscape
Ducati’s decision to prioritize Marquez and introduce Pedro Acosta signals a significant change in their driver lineup strategy. For Bagnaia, this could mean seeking new avenues to maintain his competitive presence in MotoGP. The tension arising from public contract discussions and the uncertainty surrounding his future have generated frustration among fans and industry insiders alike.
How Ducati manages this transition will have wider repercussions in the MotoGP paddock, especially as other teams adjust their rosters for 2027. Bagnaia’s next move will be closely watched, with potential transfers to top-tier teams keen to capitalize on his proven talent and experience. Until then, Ducati’s focus clearly remains on securing Marquez’s continuation and integrating promising young talent like Acosta, shaping the factory squad as it moves forward from its 100th anniversary milestone.
