CEO Claudio Domenicali has said Ducati will wait until after the 2026 Sepang test to make any decisions about their 2027 line-up, and that Pedro Acosta isn’t the only rider under consideration.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a move to Borgo Panigale for the 2027 season, as Ducati are expected to part ways with Francesco Bagnaia when his deal ends. Reports suggest they are already close to an agreement with Acosta, whose contract with KTM is also winding down.
Acosta’s rise in MotoGP has made him one of the most sought-after riders on the grid, even though he hasn’t yet had a bike capable of fighting for titles. But it appears Ducati are set to secure him on a two-year deal.
However, Domenicali has stressed that no final decision has been made regarding who will join Marquez in Ducati red for the 2027 season.
Ducati eye ‘most promising’ rider to partner Marc Marquez in 2027
Acosta, currently riding for KTM, has already put together a strong résumé. He won the 2021 Moto3 championship and followed that up with the Moto2 title in 2023. Domenicali has said before that he’s “certain” Acosta will one day become a MotoGP champion.
Ducati is also looking at World Superbike racer Nicolo Bulega, who will play a role in developing their new 850cc bike for 2027. Domenicali says Bulega is firmly on their radar as they search for the most promising rider to partner Marquez.
“Nicolo is one of the guys we’ll look at,” said Domenicali.
“The jobs of those who manage the team are trying to put the most promising riders on the best bike ever, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Claudio Domenicali admits ‘not everything is fine’ with Marc Marquez’s new Ducati contract
Domenicali has also addressed where things stand between Ducati and Marquez, whose contract is up at the end of the 2026 season. Several senior figures at Ducati have made it clear that extending his deal is a top priority following his 11-win title campaign in 2025.
The expectation is that Marquez will sign a new two-year extension to remain with Ducati through the introduction of the 850cc regulations. But while talks have moved forward since the launch of their latest bike, Domenicali pointed out that there are still details to iron out.
Domenicali added: “Since the presentation, we’ve made some progress and we’re definitely closer. Not everything is fine yet, but we’re not far away.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
