MotoGP: Ducati to part company with Bagnaia at end of season

Ducati said Wednesday that they will

part company with Italy's two-time MotoGP world champion

Francesco Bagnaia at the end of 2026.

The announcement comes a day the Italian team said they were

extending seven-time and reigning MotoGP world champion Marc

Marquez's contract until 2028.

Bagnaia, 29, joined the Ducati factory team in 2021 and the year

after he led it to its first riders' title since Casey Stoner's

triumph in 2007.

He retained the title in 2023 but has struggled in recent

seasons, especially since Marquez's arrival last year.

"You were my dream, and you became the most beautiful reality

ever," Bagnaia said in a message.

"You gave me the most exciting moments of my career; you made me

a better rider, a happy guy—and we had so much fun.

"You're a part of me, and you always will be".

Ducati pointed out that Bagnaia has 31 victories - the most of

any rider with them - 62 podium finishes, and 28 pole positions

with the factory team.

Related stories