The two-time champion Francesco Bagnaia has indicated a desire to spend his entire professional career with Ducati, although he remains open to new opportunities with other manufacturers if the situation calls for it.

As a protégé of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, Bagnaia made his debut in the premier class in 2019 with Ducati's satellite team, Pramac, before joining the factory team in 2021. With two world titles, 25 wins, and 45 podiums, he has become the most successful Ducati rider in the championship's history and has a contract with the team until the end of the 2026 season.

Ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, his 100th race in the MotoGP category, Bagnaia commented on a new contract signed by Tour de France winner Wout Van Aert, who committed himself to the Jumbo-Visma cycling team until his retirement. In response, Bagnaia expressed his interest in finishing his MotoGP career with Ducati.

However, he pointed to the example of his future teammate Marc Marquez, who left Honda with a year remaining on a four-year deal after the 2023 season, suggesting that staying with Ducati for life isn't guaranteed. “I love Ducati, and I think Ducati loves me, but it’s never say never,” he said at the Misano media day press conference.

“We considered the same thing about Marc when he signed a four-year deal with Honda, and then everyone knows what happened. You never know. I fell in love with Ducati as a child, and we try to maintain that same mindset. We obviously love Ducati, but it also depends on how things change.”

Currently, Bagnaia feels optimistic about his physical condition compared to last year and acknowledges that the title race against Pramac's Jorge Martin is tight, with Bagnaia trailing him by seven points. He emphasized the importance of a third consecutive title for Ducati, as Martin would take the number one plate to Aprilia if he wins the title this year.

“Our experience gives us the motivation to handle the pressure, and I expect it will go down to the Valencia finale in November,” Bagnaia noted. “The remaining tracks are all favorable for us, and it’s crucial to perform well. It won’t be easy, but I love this part of the season.”