Francesco Bagnaia has been a significant asset for Ducati in the MotoGP World Championship. However, his contract expires at the end of next year, and it hasn’t been extended for a longer term, as happened, for example, with Brad Binder at Red Bull KTM.
The CEO of the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, Claudio Domenicali, explained to Sky Sports the reason why this hasn’t occurred: ‘It wouldn’t be fair for either the company or him to sign a long contract. This is a competitive sport in which everyone, including Ducati, has to remain under pressure, and a long contract wouldn’t be good for anyone’.
Like Bagnaia, Enea Bastianini’s contract only extends until the end of 2024. The retention of the two-time champion doesn’t seem to be in doubt, but on the other side of the garage, there are several contenders for Bastianini’s seat – starting with the 2023 runner-up, Jorge Martín.