Pecco Bagnaia: Forever at Ducati? “It Depends, But I’d Like to Share All My Career with Them
Francesco “Pecco” Bagnaia, the reigning MotoGP World Champion, has made headlines not only for his dominance on the track but also for his deep-rooted connection with Ducati, the iconic Italian motorcycle manufacturer. In a sport where rider transfers and team switches are as common as the high-speed overtakes on the circuit, Bagnaia’s loyalty to Ducati stands out. His recent comments on his future with the team — “It depends if something will change, but I’d like to share all my career with them” — have sparked widespread conversation about his long-term plans and the potential for him to become a Ducati legend.
Pecco Bagnaia’s journey with Ducati began in earnest in 2021 when he joined the factory Ducati Lenovo Team. However, his association with the brand had deeper roots, dating back to his time in Moto2. Bagnaia’s rise through the ranks of the sport, including his 2018 Moto2 World Championship title, earned him the opportunity to enter the premier class of motorcycle racing, and by the time Ducati came calling, it seemed like a match made in racing heaven.
Ducati has a proud history in MotoGP, but finding a consistent world title contender had been a challenge since the days of Casey Stoner, who delivered the manufacturer its first MotoGP championship in 2007. Bagnaia, with his Italian flair and aggressive yet precise riding style, appeared to be the heir to Ducati’s throne, embodying the spirit and passion of both the team and its fanbase.
When Pecco joined the factory team in 2021, his talent was evident, and it wasn’t long before he began to deliver results. His connection with the Ducati Desmosedici grew stronger with each race, leading to a remarkable 2022 season where he clinched his first MotoGP World Championship title, the first Ducati rider to do so in 15 years.
Since his rise to prominence, Bagnaia has been vocal about his admiration for Ducati, often describing it as the ultimate destination for an Italian rider. In MotoGP, where manufacturers like Yamaha, Honda, and KTM also boast strong lineups, Pecco’s loyalty to Ducati is notable.
In a recent interview, Bagnaia reflected on his long-term goals and future with the team, saying, *“It depends if something will change, but I’d like to share all my career with them.”* This statement has been met with excitement and curiosity from fans and the MotoGP paddock. It highlights Bagnaia’s dream of potentially spending his entire MotoGP career with Ducati — a rare occurrence in modern motorsports, where riders often switch manufacturers multiple times in search of competitive machinery or lucrative contracts.
Ducati’s ethos of innovation and their ability to develop highly competitive machines year after year gives Bagnaia confidence that they will continue to evolve together. Their partnership has already proven to be a winning formula, and if both sides continue to invest in each other’s success, there’s no reason to believe that Bagnaia couldn’t become Ducati’s most iconic rider of the modern era.
However, despite Bagnaia’s admiration for Ducati, the road to a lifelong partnership is not without its challenges. MotoGP is a sport where technological advancements, rider-team dynamics, and market pressures constantly evolve. Bagnaia himself acknowledged this, suggesting that his future with Ducati hinges on “something” changing.
This “something” could refer to a variety of factors. On a personal level, Bagnaia may have to maintain his level of performance to remain competitive in the face of younger, faster talent emerging in MotoGP. Riders like Jorge Martín, Fabio Quartararo, and Marc Márquez are all part of a new wave of competition that constantly pushes the boundaries of what is possible on two wheels.
On Ducati’s end, the ability to continue developing world-class motorcycles will be crucial. MotoGP teams live or die by the competitiveness of their machines. While Ducati has produced one of the most formidable bikes on the grid in recent years, maintaining that level of dominance requires substantial investment in research and development. The balance between rider talent and machine performance is delicate, and should Ducati fall behind in the technological race, Bagnaia could be tempted to look elsewhere, despite his loyalty.
Despite the challenges, there is a strong case for Bagnaia to remain at Ducati for the duration of his career. Firstly, Pecco has already made history with the team, and continuing this partnership could lead to legendary status similar to that of Casey Stoner, Valentino Rossi with Yamaha, or Marc Márquez with Honda.
Bagnaia is currently in the prime of his career, and Ducati’s recent investments in their racing program show no signs of slowing down. The Italian brand continues to dominate the constructors’ championship, and with Bagnaia leading the charge, the future looks bright for both parties.
Additionally, the emotional connection between an Italian rider and an Italian team cannot be understated. Ducati’s passionate fanbase, particularly in Italy, has fully embraced Bagnaia as their champion, creating a sense of national pride that is rare in the global world of MotoGP. For Pecco, staying with Ducati could mean not only continued success but also the chance to cement his legacy as an Italian icon in the sport.
Pecco Bagnaia’s potential to spend his entire career with Ducati is not only a testament to his talent and loyalty but also a reflection of the changing dynamics of MotoGP. In an era where riders are constantly on the move, the idea of a lifelong commitment to a single manufacturer is both refreshing and exciting. Bagnaia has the opportunity to build something special with Ducati — a partnership that could see him not only win multiple world titles but also become one of the most celebrated riders in the brand’s storied history.
As Bagnaia himself said, *“It depends if something will change,”* but for now, all signs point to a continued and fruitful relationship with Ducati. Fans of both the rider and the manufacturer can dream of a future where Pecco’s name is synonymous with Ducati, just as Rossi is with Yamaha and Márquez with Honda.
For now, Bagnaia continues to focus on the present, knowing that as long as Ducati remains competitive, there’s no place he’d rather be. A shared journey, a shared history, and possibly, a shared future — Pecco Bagnaia and Ducati could indeed be destined to ride together forever.
