Ducati is looking for a strong ending to its long partnership with Pecco Bagnaia. Claudio Domenicali wants to see the Italian produce better results in the season’s remaining races, with Qatar, Portimao and Valencia offering the next opportunities for a positive conclusion before his expected move to Aprilia.

Bagnaia has spent all eight of his premier-class seasons with Ducati, collecting two world championships and 31 victories. That record makes him Ducati’s most successful MotoGP rider. His current campaign has been much more difficult, however: his most recent win came more than a year ago, he has not stood on the podium since the summer break and he has fallen to ninth in the standings.

Domenicali maintains that Bagnaia has neither lost his talent nor his connection with the team. Ducati has still not found the answer to the rider’s competitive struggles, he acknowledges. The Ducati chief also pointed to Bagnaia’s peak seasons in 2022 and 2023, along with his 11 wins in 2024, underlining the high regard in which he holds the rider. The next factory change is already set: KTM’s Pedro Acosta will take Bagnaia’s place at Ducati next season. Marc Marquez, meanwhile, will have his first opportunity to clinch the 2026 MotoGP title in Qatar.