MotoGP runner-up Bagnaia gets new Ducati deal through 2024

Bagnaia has been with Ducati for the entirety of his MotoGP career thus far, having been signed by the Italian marque to join Pramac in 2019 at the start of 2018 before the Valentino Rossi protege had even won that year’s Moto2 crown.

Though his first two seasons with Pramac and Ducati in MotoGP were difficult, yielding just one podium finish, the Italian still earned a promotion to Ducati’s factory squad for 2021.

And he enjoyed a breakout campaign, scoring his first MotoGP win at Aragon in a thrilling battle with six-time world champion Marc Marquez.

Bagnaia then went on to win three more to end the year as runner-up in the championship to Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo and mark himself out as a favourite for the 2022 title.

Autosport reported earlier this month that Bagnaia and Ducati were close to finalising a new two-year deal, which was announced on Monday ahead of next weekend’s season-opening Qatar Grand Prix on 6 March.

“Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream, and being able to continue for two more seasons makes me very happy,” Bagnaia said.

“In the factory team I have found a serene environment.

“Now I just have to concentrate on doing well in the championship.”

Francesco Bagnaia, Ducati Team

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images

Ducati’s General manager Gigi Dall’Igna added: “We are really happy to have Bagnaia for another two more seasons.

“Since his arrival at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and a great ability to interpret in the best way our prototype, adapting to ride it in any circumstances.

“With these qualities we are convinced that he has all the potential to be able to fight alongside us for the title.”

Autosport understands Bagnaia’s new deal will boost his salary