Francesco Bagnaia Signs Landmark Contract Extension with Ducati Until 2028: Securing the Future of a World Champion
Francesco Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, has solidified his long-term future with Ducati in a monumental contract extension that will keep him with the Italian manufacturer until the end of the 2028 season. This landmark deal not only ties Bagnaia to Ducati for five more years but also signals the team’s deep commitment to continuing their dominance in the premier class of motorcycle racing. For Bagnaia, this extension represents a significant milestone in his career, as he cements his legacy with a brand that has played a pivotal role in his journey to the top of the MotoGP world.
The announcement of Bagnaia’s contract extension with Ducati was met with widespread enthusiasm from fans and industry insiders alike. Ducati Corse, the racing arm of the legendary Italian motorcycle company, issued a statement that praised Bagnaia for his contributions to the team and expressed their confidence in his ability to lead the factory Ducati squad into the future.
“Francesco has proven to be a key figure in our recent success,” Ducati’s General Manager Luigi Dall’Igna said during the contract signing. “His growth, both as a rider and as a person, has been extraordinary. We believe that Francesco has the potential to continue to bring Ducati the results we know we are capable of achieving in MotoGP. This long-term extension is a reflection of our belief in him and our shared ambition for the future.”
For Bagnaia, the contract extension was a clear indication of the faith Ducati has in his abilities, but it also signified his own commitment to the team that has stood by him throughout his career. “Ducati has always been my home,” Bagnaia commented. “They believed in me from the beginning, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey together. I’m excited about what lies ahead and proud to continue representing this iconic brand.”
Francesco Bagnaia’s journey to becoming Ducati’s talisman has been one marked by persistence, determination, and undeniable talent. Born in Turin, Italy, Bagnaia began his racing career at a young age and quickly became one of the brightest prospects in the MotoGP paddock. His early years in the lower categories of motorcycle racing showcased his potential, but it was his move to Ducati in the MotoGP class that truly transformed him into a world-class competitor.
After winning the Moto2 World Championship in 2018, Bagnaia made his debut in MotoGP with the Pramac Racing team, Ducati’s satellite outfit, in 2019. While his rookie season had its ups and downs, Bagnaia showed flashes of brilliance that hinted at his future success. By 2021, Bagnaia had joined the factory Ducati team, and it was during this season that he established himself as a serious title contender. With multiple race wins and a string of podium finishes, Bagnaia closed the gap on his rivals and ultimately became a legitimate threat for the championship.
In 2022, Bagnaia’s hard work and dedication paid off when he claimed his first MotoGP World Championship. His championship-winning season was a masterclass in consistency and skill, as he fought off intense competition to bring Ducati their first rider’s title since Casey Stoner’s triumph in 2007. Bagnaia’s success in 2022 not only secured his place in the sport’s history books but also further cemented his role as Ducati’s undisputed number-one rider.
With the 2023 season underway, Bagnaia has embraced the challenge of defending his MotoGP crown with remarkable poise. As the reigning world champion, he has faced immense pressure from his rivals, yet Bagnaia has consistently risen to the occasion. His performances on the track have been characterized by a blend of aggression, precision, and tactical intelligence—traits that have made him one of the most formidable riders on the grid.
Throughout the 2023 campaign, Bagnaia has delivered stunning results, maintaining his place at the top of the championship standings. His relationship with the Ducati Desmosedici GP23, a bike specifically tailored to suit his riding style, has been pivotal in his success. The synergy between rider and machine has allowed Bagnaia to extract every ounce of performance from his Ducati, enabling him to compete at the highest level week after week.
Bagnaia’s defense of his title has not been without its challenges. The fierce competition from riders such as Fabio Quartararo, Marc Márquez, and Jorge Martín has pushed Bagnaia to his limits, yet his composure and racecraft have consistently given him the edge. His ability to adapt to varying track conditions and his unmatched race pace have kept him in contention for race victories, ensuring that his title defense remains on course.
The extension of Bagnaia’s contract with Ducati until 2028 is a testament to the unique and successful partnership between rider and manufacturer. Over the years, Ducati has developed a reputation for producing some of the most technologically advanced and high-performance motorcycles in the world, and Bagnaia’s riding style has proven to be the perfect complement to their machines.
Both Ducati and Bagnaia share a mutual understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level. For Ducati, Bagnaia represents more than just a rider; he embodies the spirit of the team—dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Ducati has provided Bagnaia with the tools to achieve greatness, and in return, Bagnaia has delivered results that have propelled the team to the pinnacle of MotoGP.
With the extension in place, Bagnaia and Ducati now have the opportunity to build on their already impressive legacy. The long-term nature of the deal provides stability and continuity for both parties, allowing them to focus on their shared goals of continued success in MotoGP. For Ducati, keeping Bagnaia on board means they retain the services of one of the most talented riders in the sport, while Bagnaia can continue to develop his skills with the full support of a manufacturer that has proven its commitment to his career.
As Bagnaia looks ahead to the next five years with Ducati, the possibilities are endless. With a world championship already under his belt and a contract that secures his future with the team, Bagnaia is well-positioned to become one of the all-time greats in MotoGP. The long-term extension gives him the freedom to focus on his racing without the distractions of contract negotiations, allowing him to concentrate on what he does best—winning races.
For Ducati, Bagnaia’s contract extension is a strategic move that ensures their competitiveness in MotoGP for years to come. The team has made it clear that they believe Bagnaia is the rider who can lead them to even greater heights, and with the technical prowess of the Ducati Desmosedici continuing to evolve, there is every reason to believe that Bagnaia and Ducati can dominate the sport for the foreseeable future.
As the 2023 season continues and Bagnaia’s contract extension begins, the focus will remain on delivering results and securing more world championships. With Ducati’s unwavering support and Bagnaia’s undeniable talent, the combination of rider and team appears to be destined for greatness.
In conclusion, Francesco Bagnaia’s contract extension with Ducati until 2028 represents a powerful statement of intent from both the rider and the manufacturer. It is a partnership built on trust, shared ambition, and a relentless desire to succeed. With this long-term deal in place, MotoGP fans can expect to see Bagnaia continue to shine on the world stage, representing Ducati with pride and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in motorcycle racing.
