Overview
- Marc Márquez signed a two-year extension with Ducati on Tuesday that keeps him in the factory team through the 2028 season.
- Ducati announced on Wednesday that Pedro Acosta will join the factory squad on a two-year deal and confirmed Francesco Bagnaia will leave Ducati at the end of 2026 with reports saying he is set to join Aprilia.
- A new manufacturer–promoter framework for 2027–2031 cleared the way for teams to make these contracts public and triggered a flurry of official rider confirmations.
- Ducati framed Márquez’s extension as a response to strong results and recovery from injury after positive tests, and reports say the deal likely includes a substantial pay rise.
- The moves reshape the paddock by concentrating top factory seats as the sport shifts to new 850cc rules and Pirelli tyres, leaving several veteran riders seeking alternatives such as WorldSBK or test and reserve roles.