MotoGP | Ducati announces the two-year renewal of Pecco Bagnaia

Although the news took a little longer than expected to be confirmed, the predictions of Gigi Dall'Igna, general director of the Borgo Panigale racing department, were confirmed and the Bolognese brand was able to formalize the continuity of the relationship with Bagnaia before the start of the World Championship in Qatar this weekend.

The 27-year-old from Turin, three times world champion (once in Moto2), will thus link himself in the medium term to the structure that gave him the opportunity to debut in the premier class (2019), with Pramac, and with which he took world championship crown in the last two seasons.

Bagnaia's resounding success, the speed exhibited in the pre-season tests and the evident step forward of the 2024 prototype, led one to think that the renewal should be a given. Although it took a little longer than expected, the announcement was finally made before departing for Qatar.

“I am very happy to be able to continue racing with the team of my dreams. Wearing these colors is an honor for me. It is fantastic and a source of pride. Together with Ducati, my team and all the people at Ducati Corse we managed to do incredible things and in these three years ahead of us (including 2024) we will continue to give our all to try to achieve further successes”, said Bagnaia in the official statement sent by the brand.

“Pecco was the first Italian to win a MotoGP world title with an Italian motorcycle. Together we brought to Bologna a World Championship that we hadn't won for 15 years. He is a two-time champion and has shown several times that he deserves number 1 on its hull”, added Dall'Igna.

Although the terms of the contract are strictly confidential, the salary policy of the Italian manufacturer suggests that the #1 will earn around seven million euros as a base salary, to which a variable amount will be added depending on the results. If Bagnaia were to win his third consecutive World Championship, his salary would probably be around ten million euros.

Once the most important matter has been resolved, the main unknown in the Ducati universe becomes the identity of the rider who will occupy the other side of the official team garage, currently occupied by Enea Bastianini. Enea Bastianini himself, Jorge Martin and most likely Marc Márquez are all in the running for that place, provided that the Spaniard is able to meet the expectations generated by his move to Gresini Racing, where he will have a Ducati from last year at his disposal .

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team bike

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images