The idea struck like a spark in a powder keg: could Francesco Pecco Bagnaia leave the factory Ducati team to join Valentino Rossi's VR46 team? At first glance, it's fascinating. A story of the heart, of Italian DNA, of returning to one's roots. But in practice? It's a hypothesis fraught with complications, closer to a cry of despair than a realistic strategic plan.
It all starts from Mandalika, where Pecco has simply hit rock bottom. After a podium finish and renewed euphoria in Japan, the two-time Ducati world champion experienced a nightmare in Indonesia : lost in the settings, at the back of the grid in the sprint, and a long race ended in the gravel trap. His frustration exploded publicly:
« In theory, the bike is the same as the one in Japan, but in practice, I don't know. Someone needs to explain this to me »
This technical existential crisis has highlighted a deep rift between the pilot and his team. Even Ducati, through the voice of Tardozzi, had admitted his wrongdoing after Motegi. But since then, the tone has changed. Trust is cracked, and discussions in the box are becoming rarer, colder.
Fans are getting excited about this prospect : Pecco at VR46, surrounded by familiar faces, far from the pressures of the factory. But reality is relentless. For this to happen, it would be necessary:
Which Ducati transfers a factory motorcycle (GP26) to VR46, even though the team of Rossi recently abandoned this option for financial and logistical reasons.
Which bagnaia agrees to ride a customer motorcycle, which seems totally incompatible with his status as double world champion of the brand.
That the factory team is doing without its iconic Italian driver in the middle of his contract year, to install in his place a Spanish rookie (Fermin Aldeguer), thus breaking the fragile political and identity balance of the Italian brand.
Suffice to say that this scenario borders on science fiction. As one person close to the paddock crudely sums it up: The puzzle doesn't fit together. Neither economically nor sportingly. »
The VR46 scenario: a beautiful story, but unrealistic for Pecco Bagnaia... in 2026
Short term, Pecco will have to deal with Ducati another year. The structure of the contract leaves little room for escape, and it is difficult to imagine an early termination without a major clash.
But by 2027, the cards will be completely reshuffled. Almost all of the drivers MotoGP will be at the end of their contract. And there, manufacturers like Honda, Yamaha ou Aprilia might jump at the chance to make a golden offer to bagnaia, tired of a factory where he is no longer number one since the arrival of Marc Marquez.
Except: it seems that the Italian's stock has dropped on the MotoGP rider market. According to an article in Speedweek, bagnaia is "no longer in pole position" on "everyone's" manufacturer's wish list for the future; its options would be limited if it decided to leave Ducati.
The rumor of a transfer of Pecco bagnaia in VR46 is creating a buzz, but rests on few concrete foundations. Pecco's discomfort is palpable, but the option VR46 is a logistical and financial mirage.
2026 will be the year of tension: stay, but reluctantly? 2027 will be the year of all possibilities, including moving to another factory... or returning to one's roots.
