Ducati only have one vacancy in their MotoGP roster for the 2026 season. VR46 rider Franco Morbidelli is trying to earn an extension after signing a one-year deal.
While Morbidelli’s future is uncertain, Ducati’s line-up is likely to be unchanged elsewhere. Francesco Bagnaia has been linked to Yamaha, but he emphatically rejected those reports at the last race in Aragon.
Teammate Marc Marquez will remain the centrepiece of the brand, while his brother Alex will push for an up-to-date bike after a standout season. Fabio di Giannantonio currently has that luxury at VR46, with A. Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer riding a GP24.
| RIDER | TEAM | CONTRACT |
| Marc Marquez | Ducati | 2026 |
| Francesco Bagnaia | Ducati | 2026 |
| Fabio di Giannantonio | VR46 | 2026 |
| Franco Morbidelli | VR46 | 2025 |
| Alex Marquez | Gresini | 2026 |
| Fermin Aldeguer | Gresini | 2026 |
As the contract cycle comes to an end next year, there could be a reshuffle. Aldeguer is eyeing up a Ducati factory seat long-term, and Bagnaia’s future could come into question if he suffers a repeat of 2025.
Di Giannantonio, still yet to break the 100-point barrier, needs to improve too. His VR46 team have been strongly linked with Pedro Acosta, though his KTM contract appears watertight.
Francesco Bagnaia says Ducati counterpart Nicolo Bulega will make MotoGP move
Another rider who’s likely to be in the Ducati picture next year is Nicolo Bulega. The World Superbikes leader recently signed a one-year extension.
Under the fresh terms, Bulega will test Ducati’s 850cc prototype next year. There’s a real possibility that this is a gateway to MotoGP.
Bulega struggled in Moto2 and Moto3 but has flourished in WSBK, winning 14 of his 51 races to date. His title rival Toprak Razgatlioglu is moving to Grand Prix racing next year with Pramac.
Bagnaia attended the WSBK round at Misano last weekend, and when speaking to the in-house broadcaster, he appeared to let slip that Bulega would be following Razgatlioglu.
“There’s a lot of activity in the market right now,” Bagnaia said, via Speedweek. “I can’t wait to see Toprak, but also Nicolo Bulega, in the MotoGP World Championship.”
Nicolo Bulega is poised to land Ducati MotoGP seat on one condition
Aprilia were linked with Bulega before he committed to Ducati earlier this month. Massimo Rivola is eyeing up potential replacements for Jorge Martin as a potential contract battle looms.
Bulega must offer the ‘desired feedback’ during his MotoGP tests if he is to land a seat, according to a report. Engineers will naturally be watching his lap times, but also gauging his technical understanding.
One wonders whether the performances of Razgatlioglu will also play a part in Luigi Dall’Igna’s decision. If the Turkish rider signs, it will reflect well on Bulega, who’s currently nine points ahead, and vice versa.
Bulega is familiar with Pirelli tyres, which will be a key advantage as the Italian company prepare to take over from Michelin.
