Ducati... so many problems: Bagnaia and Tardozzi in doubt, record-breaking renewal for Marquez

In 2025 Ducati once again confirmed its absolute dominance in the MotoGP World Championship. Although the 2026 season is a transitional year, it does not want to lose the momentum of the records set in recent seasons. That’s why it’s already looking far ahead. Beyond next year, the Italians have their eyes set on 2027, when the championship will undergo a profound transformation with regulatory changes. But by that date the Borgo Panigale factory will have to untie many knots.

Many topics to study, many things to test, and little time to waste. Thus, at Ducati, they are already working tirelessly to remain the benchmark in the MotoGP class. Marc Marquez seized the world title with extreme ease, but in the second part of the season Aprilia and KTM put up a strong fight. The challenge of this winter break is to work both with 2026 in mind and ahead of the new regulations.

Pecco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio encountered problems with the factory Desmosedici, especially at the front end. Hence the decision to seek solutions ahead of the upcoming winter tests. But finding the right balance is anything but simple, with the risk of reducing the potential of a Marc Marquez who dominated far and wide with the same prototype. The GP26 will not change much, given the limitations imposed by Dorna. Ducati (together with Aprilia, KTM and Honda) is in fact not allowed to modify the engine. In this sense, the Emilia-based brand is focused on the 2027 model, which could be on track earlier than expected.

The Ducati GP27 will almost certainly hit the track in the spring. Once again, veteran test rider Michele Pirro will be at the forefront. He will have the task of testing the new 850cc engine on track. This time he won’t be alone. Alongside him will be Nicolò Bulega, the newcomer to the test team and a Pirelli expert thanks to his World Superbike career. The rider must complete a total of three tests with the Ducati team. This is stipulated in his new contract as a test rider, although additional tests could be negotiated depending on how the season unfolds.

The 2027 MotoGP prototype won’t be the only topic to tackle. First and foremost is renewing Marc Marquez’s contract. The signature is almost certain, although the figures still need to be agreed upon. The Cervera phenomenon knows that Borgo Panigale is not Honda in financial terms, so he will have to give up, once again, a few million euros... But the world title won in 2025 is pushing Ducati management to raise the financial bar. We’re talking about figures nearing 15 million euros. An absolute record for the Red!

Then there’s Pecco Bagnaia to consider. The disappointing results of the latest MotoGP season drive the numbers downward. But that isn’t the real issue. His seat is highly coveted by the likes of Alex Marquez, Fermin Aldeguer, and others. Gigi Dall’Igna and his team have long had their eyes on Pedro Acosta and don’t want to miss out on KTM’s talent. There’s a surplus of talent on the shortlist to line up alongside Marc Marquez, and the choice is anything but easy. But history teaches that when it comes to such decisions, Ducati doesn’t pay too much attention to sentiment...

During this winter break, rumors are circulating regarding Davide Tardozzi's retirement at the end of 2026. He turns 66 next January, but he doesn't seem to have any intention of retiring. Clarifications and likely an official denial are expected in the coming days. In short, it doesn't seem like retirement time for the former driver just yet.