MotoGP | Bagnaia-Ducati renewal, no rush to sign

When Ducati resumed its media activities after the winter break, it was immediately clear that, in addition to the sporting preparations for the championship, the question of extending Pecco Bagnaia's contract was also high on the agenda.

During the official presentation of his new bike, the two-time reigning world champion announced that discussions have begun between his management and the factory executives, expressing his unequivocal desire to remain where he is. General Director Gigi Dall'Igna himself has stated his desire to obtain a new agreement before the start of the season, while underlining that it would be a “complicated” contract to draw up given the stature assumed by the Italian driver.

While Pecco Bagnaia dominated the two pre-season testing sessions this February, Davide Tardozzi made it known that negotiations are progressing well. “We are discussing the final details with his management”, declared the Ducati team manager to the official MotoGP website.

But it is no longer a question of formulating a precise date like that of the first Grand Prix, which will take place in fifteen days. “We're in no hurry”, says Tardozzi. “Pecco is already focused on the 2024 championship and seeing how the first race in Qatar goes. But we are trying to finalize things as soon as possible. There is no deadline.”

“We both want to continue together; Pecco wants to stay with Ducati and we also want him to stay with us. So I think it's just a question of time. We will try to do it as soon as possible, but without rushing”, reiterates the Ducati team manager.

Currently, four riders have contracts that extend beyond 2024: Brad Binder, who signed a long-term renewal with KTM; Pedro Acosta, whose agreement is rather secret, but who is said to be committed to the Austrian house in the long term. Johann Zarco and Luca Marini also signed two-year contracts with Honda, one with LCR and the other with the Repsol team. Many important names will start the championship without having yet clarified their future, including three MotoGP world champions: Marc Márquez, Fabio Quartararo and Joan Mir. Thus, the transfer market will likely be very open.

Second place in the official Ducati team will certainly be the most coveted and there is no shortage of suitors. Enea Bastianini will have to prove his worth, although Ducati's attention on Bagnaia's contract will give him some time to do so. “First of all we have to define things with Pecco, then we will see what the situation is for the second saddle”, says Davide Tardozzi. “Enea is one of those we are evaluating, but we will take some more time to decide on our second driver for 2025 and 2026.”