The MotoGP world witnessed a poignant moment on July 30, 2026 as Marc Marquez bid an emotional farewell to his teammate Francesco Bagnaia during the World Ducati Week. This event marked the end of an era for Ducati, as Bagnaia prepares to join Aprilia in 2027.
The nine-time world champion, Marquez, expressed his admiration for Bagnaia, highlighting his honesty and the excellent relationship they shared as teammates. This heartfelt message was part of a video clip released by the official MotoGP website, announcing Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia.
Bagnaia’s Journey from Ducati to Aprilia
Francesco Bagnaia has been a key figure in the Ducati team since 2026, securing two world championships in 2026 and 2026. His decision to join Aprilia, where he will partner with Marco Bezzecchi signifies a new chapter in his career and the Italian motorcycle racing scene.
The move comes as Bagnaia lost his seat at Ducati to Pedro Acosta. Despite this, Bagnaia’s transition to Aprilia is seen as a strategic move, given the close competitiveness between the two brands. Aprilia has shown promise in recent tests, while Ducati remains confident in their foundation.
The Paddock’s Reaction to Bagnaia’s Move
The MotoGP paddock has expressed admiration for Bagnaia’s long-term deal with Aprilia, which is reportedly a four-year contract. This move is seen as a masterstroke, securing Bagnaia’s future in the sport. The deal was finalized during the winter of 2026, despite Bagnaia’s challenging season where he finished 257 points behind Marquez, who missed four weekends due to injury.
Aprilia had to convince their owners, the Piaggio Group to take on the salary, believing they can revive Bagnaia’s career. From a commercial perspective, having two Italian factory riders could be invaluable. Bagnaia was also linked with Yamaha but he turned down an even better offer to join Aprilia instead.
World Ducati Week: A Celebration of Legacy and Innovation
The World Ducati Week in Misano Emilia Romagna, was a grand celebration of Ducati’s centennial. The event brought together legends of the sport, including Casey StonerLoris Capirossi and Carl Fogarty alongside current stars like Marquez and Bagnaia.
The event featured a variety of activities, from stunt shows to technical presentations. The highlight was the massive circuit lap, where over 5,000 motorcycles rode together, showcasing Ducati’s rich heritage and innovative spirit. The event also included a race of champions, where Nicolò Bulega dominated, setting the stage for his potential move to MotoGP with the VR46 team.
As the MotoGP world prepares for the 2027 season, the emotional farewell between Marquez and Bagnaia serves as a reminder of the sport’s dynamic nature. With Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia and Acosta’s arrival at Ducati, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in motorcycle racing.
