Ducati hopes Bagnaia can finish strongly before his Aprilia move

Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali says he hopes Pecco Bagnaia can secure some good results in the final races of the season, describing it as a finishing touch to his time with the factory. Bagnaia has spent all eight of his premier class seasons with Ducati, winning two world championships and 31 races, making him the Italian manufacturer's most successful MotoGP rider.

However, Bagnaia's last victory came more than a year ago and he has not stood on the podium since the summer break. He has slipped to ninth in the standings. Domenicali said he still believes Bagnaia lacks nothing in terms of talent or his relationship with the team, but that the team has not yet found a solution to the problems they have faced.

Domenicali pointed to Qatar, Portimao and Valencia as opportunities for a good result. Team-mate Marc Marquez has the first chance to clinch the 2026 title in Qatar this weekend, while KTM's Pedro Acosta will replace Bagnaia at Ducati next season.