Francesco Bagnaia will remain as a factory Ducati rider until at least the end of 2026, the Italian signing a two-year contract extension with the Italian manufacturer.
Bagnaia has been enjoying somewhat of a purple patch of form across the past couple of seasons, the 2019 Moto2 world champion securing seven wins in 2022 en route to a maiden premier class title. He then went back to back last term after coming out on top of a thrilling tussle for the crown against Pramac Ducati’s Jorge Martin, Bagnaia once again romping to seven victories.
He thus is yet to finish lower than second in the riders standings across three years with the factory Ducati operation, having finished up as vice-champion to Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo in 2021. His ultra-successful stint meant signing a contract extension was always going to be a formality, and ahead of this weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix Ducati announced it had come to an agreement with Bagnaia to continue.
His two-year deal means he will remain racing in red for at least the next three seasons, Bagnaia is theoretically now off the market until 2027 at the earliest. Describing Ducati as the “team of my dreams”, Bagnaia insisted that he was keen to build on the success of his opening three campaigns within the organization.
“I am so happy to continue racing with the team of my dreams! Wearing these colors is an honor for me. It’s fantastic and a source of pride,” said Bagnaia.
“Together with Ducati, my team, and all the guys at Ducati Corse, we’ve achieved incredible things. In these three more years (including 2024) ahead of us, we’ll continue to give our best to achieve as much success as possible.
“I am overjoyed and ready to hit the track in Qatar for the first race of the year.”
Ducati will field an unchanged line-up for 2024, with 2023 Malaysian GP winner Enea Bastianini keen to build on an encouraging end to the year to push his team-mate that bit harder. Moto2 champion of 2021 Bastianini had a tough first season with Ducati, chiefly due to a nasty shoulder injury he suffered in the season-opening Portuguese GP.
He also struggled to adapt to the Desmosedici GP23, the machine markedly different from the GP21 he secured three wins with en route to third overall in 2022. His contract is set to end at the conclusion of the year, with 2023 vice-champion Martin keen to snatch away his seat.
