MotoGP 2027 line-up update: Ducati Factory Team
Written by Isha Reshmi Mohan
The 2026 season started with a lot of expectations for the rider line-up updates, with Francesco Bagnaia even claiming that it would all be announced before the season opener in Thailand. However, amid complete silence from all teams, it was only later revealed by Simon Patterson and Mat Oxley on X that the delay came about because the teams themselves had to finalize their agreements to race in MotoGP for the upcoming years.
Marc Márquez to stay back
With all the teams locked into MotoGP until 2031, Ducati kickstarted the 2027 line-ups announcements on June 23rd by securing Marc Márquez until the end of 2028 season. This move came as no surprise, given the widespread knowledge that the factory was negotiating a substantial deal with the rider.
Discussions also circulated regarding a potential clause that would allow Márquez to retire from the team at his own discretion, meaning he would not be obligated to complete the contract through its final day. However, it remains unconfirmed whether this specific clause has been included in the new agreement.
It has been an exciting journey after his "comeback" season last year, when he secured his seventh MotoGP title during his debut season with the factory team. In the 2025 season alone he achieved 14 sprint wins and 11 race wins.
Furthermore, during the team’s centenary celebrations this year, Marquez made it a day to remember by bagging Ducati’s 100th race win at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Márquez shared via Ducati Press: “When I decided to join Ducati, I was convinced it was the most competitive project. They believed in me, and we built a relationship based on trust and hard work. With this renewal, they have once again reaffirmed this commitment, respecting my times and giving me the peace of mind I needed to make the right decision”
Francesco Bagnaia to leave Ducati
Right after Márquez’s announcement, on the 24th of June, Bagnaia was announced to depart the team. Once again, it wasn’t a surprise as it was often referenced that he would be leaving and was also linked to Aprilia to ride alongside Marco Bezzecchi. However, we are awaiting an announcement from the Aprilia camp on their decision with Jorge Martín at the moment.
After six years and two world championships with the team, Bagnaia can leave satisfied with his achievements, despite the inevitable sting of parting ways, as he moves on to another Italian manufacturer.
Considered by Ducati to be the most successful pairing in team history, the partnership saw Bagnaia claim 31 race wins and 28 pole positions.
Claudio Domenicali (CEO of Ducati Motor Holding) shared via Ducati Press: “The 2022 title has a special meaning for me, as it was the culmination of a restructuring process within Ducati Corse that allowed us to return to the forefront after a particularly difficult period”.
Luigi Dall'Igna (General Manager of Ducati Corse) shared via Ducati Press: “Pecco will forever remain a Champion in the history of Borgo Panigale and in my personal history as well. With Ducati, he fulfilled his childhood dreams, and we achieved ours alongside him.”
Acosta takes the second seat
Over the past few race weekends, several broadcasters have stated that Pedro Acosta will be taking Bagnaia’s place in the factory team and have referenced him as Márquez’s future teammate.
And just hours after the announcement of Bagnaia’s departure, it has been confirmed that Acosta will, in fact, join Marquez in the factory team until the end of the 2028 season.
Dall'Igna referred to Acosta the “ideal candidate for the future of the Ducati Lenovo Team” via the press release of the announcement. “His arrival in the team will be a stimulus for everyone; he will help us grow, and we will support him on the path to full maturity as a rider.” He added.
Stay tuned for more updates and don’t miss the upcoming action at the Dutch Grand Prix on June 28th at 1:00 PM BST.
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