MotoGP: Francesco Bagnaia signs new contract with Ducati

Francesco Bagnaia has been given a new two-year MotoGP contract by Ducati Corse and will remain with the factory team until at least the end of the 2024 season.

Ducati have moved early to secure their star rider, who ended last season second overall after a sensational run of form towards the end of the season. Bagnaia won four of the last six races and secured five consecutive poles between rounds 13 and 17. In total, the Italian recorded four wins, nine podiums and six pole positions.

Related articles from MCN

• MotoGP Unlimited trailer and release date revealed
• Pol Espargaro tops Mandalika Test
• Ducati reveal 2022 MotoGP challenger

As a result of his exploits in 2021, Bagnaia is now considered one of the title favourites ahead of this year’s season opener in Qatar on March 6. Having his future sorted will lift a big weight off of his shoulders, giving him one less thing to worry about compared to the majority of his rivals.

“Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream, and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud,” Bagnaia said. “I have found a serene environment in the factory team: I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together.

“Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this Championship. A big thank you to Claudio, Gigi, Paolo, Davide and all the Ducati Corse staff. I’ll try to repay their trust with my results on the track!”

2022 will be Pecco’s second year with the factory team, and his fourth overall in the premier class. Bagnaia spent 2019 and 2020 with the Pramac Racing Ducati squad, taking his maiden podium at Misano in 2020 (2nd). He came so close to a maiden victory at the same circuit that season, only to crash with a few laps remaining.

Last year was a breakout campaign for Bagnaia, whose promotion to the factory squad was initially questioned after a tough start to life in MotoGP.

“We are delighted to have Bagnaia with us for another two seasons,” Ducati Corse General Manager, Luigi Dall’Igna said. “Since he arrived at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and the ability to interpret our Desmosedici GP very well, adapting to ride it in any condition.

“He did it, especially in the last season, during which he had significant growth and got to play for the World Title. The way he managed the races at Aragón, Misano, Portimão and Valencia, scoring four fantastic victories, is proof of his maturity as a rider. With these great qualities, we are sure that he has the potential to aim for the title with us.”

Bagnaia will continue to line-up alongside Jack Miller this year, however the Australian rider doesn’t currently have a confirmed seat for 2023. Jorge Martin has been linked with a promotion from Pramac, whilst Enea Bastianini will be on the factory team’s radar if he can build on his impressive rookie campaign.

There will be a total of eight Ducati riders on the grid this season. Alongside the factory team, Martin and Johann Zarco continue with Pramac, whilst Gresini Racing will run Bastianini and newcomer Fabio Di Giannantonio.

Valentino Rossi’s new Ducati team will line-up with Luca Marini and rookie Marco Bezzecchi – both VR46 Academy members.