Bagnaia leaves Ducati: "I need something new"

There's a rider change happening in MotoGP. Because a seat is opening up at Ducati, KTM is also looking for a rider.

June 24, 2026

From: apa

KTM will lose MotoGP rider Pedro Acosta to Ducati after the season. The Spaniard has signed with the championship-leading team for 2027 and 2028. At the same time, the Italian team announced that Francesco Bagnaia will leave the team after the season ends. The 22-year-old Acosta will form a formidable duo with his compatriot Marc Marquez, the reigning world champion, who recently extended his contract until 2028.

Acosta won the Moto3 and Moto2 titles within three years of entering the road racing world championship. He was named MotoGP Rookie of the Year in 2024. Last season, he finished fourth in the points standings, and the 13-time podium finisher is currently sixth, 48 points behind leader Marco Bezecchi. Acosta is still waiting for his first MotoGP victory.

Pedro Acosta is moving to Ducati. © ANSA / MARTIN DIVISEK

Bagnaia, meanwhile, is currently in his eighth year riding for Ducati, having become world champion in 2022. With 31 victories, he is Ducati's most successful rider to date. He needs a new challenge, Bagnaia said. Whether that challenge will be with KTM remains to be seen.

Keywords Motorsport MotoGP Francis Bagnaia