Overview
- Ducati announced on Tuesday that Marc Márquez has extended his contract through the end of 2028, committing the nine‑time world champion to the factory Lenovo Ducati team.
- The manufacturer confirmed on Wednesday that Francesco ‘Pecco’ Bagnaia will depart Ducati at the close of the 2026 season after eight years with the brand.
- Also on Wednesday Ducati revealed Pedro Acosta will join the factory Lenovo squad for 2027–2028, leaving Red Bull KTM when the 2026 season ends.
- Team leaders framed the moves as planned succession and continuity for Ducati’s competitive project, with executives stressing trust, long‑term planning and complementary riding profiles.
- The confirmations intensify off‑track jockeying across factories, with reports that Honda had previously approached Márquez and speculation linking Bagnaia to Aprilia as the 2027 grid takes shape.