Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali has confirmed that the team will evaluate their rider lineup for the 2027 MotoGP season following the 2026 Sepang test, with Pedro Acosta among the potential candidates under consideration. The team is closely watching the young KTM rider, highly regarded in the paddock, but Ducati has not yet finalized decisions on who will join Marc Marquez as his teammate at Borgo Panigale.
At 21, Pedro Acosta has generated widespread interest due to his impressive performances despite not yet having a machine that can consistently challenge for top positions. With Francesco Bagnaia‘s contract expected to expire soon, Ducati appears ready to make a significant change in their roster, and Acosta is seen as a strong contender to fill that vacancy. Reports suggest Ducati is close to signing Acosta on a two-year deal once they secure an extension with Marquez.
Ducati Prioritizes Securing the Most Promising Talent alongside Marquez
Domenicali has expressed admiration for Acosta’s accomplishments, emphasizing his belief that Acosta will become a MotoGP champion following his world titles in Moto3 (2021) and Moto2 (2023). However, Ducati is also considering other riders, including World Superbike contender Nicolo Bulega, who is involved in Ducati’s 2026 program and is expected to assist with development of their upcoming 850cc bike.
Regarding this decision-making process, Domenicali told Sky Italy,
“There are still a few days and let’s get through this test session, and then we’ll see what happens. But yes, there aren’t many [options].”
He further added,
“Nicolo, for example, is a guy we really care about who will be part of our 2026 programme, and I think that happens during the renewal part. Anyway, we worked very well together because he was interested.”
Domenicali also noted the importance of Bulega’s role in testing, stating,
“If we also had to test the 2027 bike with the Pirellis with a lower displacement and power closer to the Superbike, I think Nicolo is really perfect.”
He concluded on the choices being made:
“Nicolo is one of the guys we’ll look at. Obviously, we have him in the team and there’s a lot of talk about Pedro. But, basically, these are names that are a bit predictable.”
The jobs of those who manage the team are trying to put the most promising riders on the best bike ever, and that’s what we’re trying to do.
Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati
Current Status of Marc Marquez’s Contract Negotiations with Ducati
While focusing on potential partners for Marc Marquez, Ducati is also detailing progress on Marquez’s own contract, which is due to expire at the end of 2026. The 32-year-old rider, fresh off a dominant 2025 season with 11 victories and the championship title, remains a key figure for Ducati’s plans under the new 850cc regulations starting in 2027.
Domenicali acknowledged that talks have advanced but are still not completely settled, stating:
Since the presentation, we’ve made some progress and we’re definitely closer. Not everything is fine yet, but we’re not far away.
The completion of Marquez’s contract extension appears to be a significant step before Ducati finalizes its decisions regarding Acosta or other riders for the season ahead.
Implications for Ducati’s Future and the MotoGP Landscape
Ducati’s approach to assembling their 2027 lineup reflects careful consideration about both performance and development needs. Securing a talent like Pedro Acosta would represent a major coup, potentially bringing a future world champion into the fold as Ducati navigates new technical regulations. Meanwhile, retaining Marc Marquez ensures leadership and experience for the team.
Including Nicolo Bulega’s experience in testing the new prototype highlights Ducati’s broader strategy to integrate promising riders not only on race day but also in bike development. The upcoming Sepang test will be pivotal for Ducati to finalize their rider strategy and set the stage for the coming seasons.
