Francesco Bagnaia's departure at the end of the season marks the end of one of the most successful collaborations in Ducati's recent history. A two-time world champion with the Borgo Panigale-based manufacturer, the Italian will join Aprilia in 2027, while Pedro Acosta will take his place alongside Marc Marquez. A radical decision, but one that Davide Tardozzi now considers beneficial for everyone.
Asked by Fanpage during the centenary celebrations of DucatiThe official team manager acknowledges that this separation was not taken lightly. It was a difficult decision, especially from a human perspective. Over the years, we have built a very strong relationship and gotten to know Pecco both as a pilot and as a person »
bagnaia will remain moreover the most decorated rider in Ducati's history in MotoGP, with two world titles and a major role in the Italian brand's return to the top. Despite this shared history, Tardozzi believes that there comes a time when changing environments can benefit both parties.
« In a career, it can be wise to separate, as this may be the best solution for everyone involved.From a sporting perspective, I think it was a positive choice for both Ducati and Pecco. »
An analysis that echoes a particularly complicated 2026 season for bagnaiamarked by a loss of confidence and sometimes strained relations with his technical team. The Italian driver himself acknowledged, at the time of the announcement of his departure, that something had started to change "inside his garage."
Davide Tardozzi: “ I think everyone benefits from this decision. Personally, the respect and friendship between us will remain intact. »
For the future, Ducati displays a clear ambition with a duo that is already making the paddock salivate. Next year, we will have a formidable duo Marc Marquez, who has already won several world titles with us, and Pedro Acosta, considered the greatest talent of the new generation »
Meanwhile, bagnaia will try to revive his career at Apriliawhere he will find a team on the rise. Pecco joins a very competitive ApriliaIn conclusion, I think everyone benefits from this decision. Personally, the respect and friendship between us will remain intact. »
During the same interview, Davide Tardozzi was also invited to discuss the most memorable moments of his career at DucatiUnsurprisingly, the two are linked to Francis BagnaiaThe most beautiful moment remains the world title won in 2022, the first of Ducati from Casey Stoner in 2007. " After so many years of work, sacrifices and progress, bringing the world championship back to Borgo Panigale has been an immense joy.. »
Conversely, his most painful memory remains the loss of the championship. 2024, despite eleven Grand Prix victories. The most difficult moment was undoubtedly losing the championship after winning more than half of the races. It was a very hard blow to take.. »
The end of the adventure between Ducati et bagnaia It resembles neither a sudden break nor an open conflict. Rather, it marks the conclusion of an exceptional cycle. Ducati is now opening a new chapter with the tandem Marc Marquez – Pedro Acosta, While bagnaia will try to regain momentum at ApriliaTwo different trajectories, but with the same objective: to continue playing leading roles in MotoGP.
