There is just one Ducati that’s recognized to be out there in 2026.
Whereas it is perhaps far too early for the MotoGP rider market to actually kick into gear, it’s by no means too early for the jostling to start.
Franco Morbidelli is tied to VR46 on a one-year contract which implies he’s the one Ducati rider who may very well be simply lower free on the finish of this season.
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He’s driving the 2024-spec Desmosedici however there can be loads of rivals who would possibly fancy his bike.
However Morbidelli delivered a reminder of his high quality on the Argentina MotoGP with a podium ending after qualifying eighth on the grid.
Franco Morbidelli ‘beneath strain’ to remain in MotoGP
Franco Morbidelli
“He’s been by lots of darkish years,” Peter McLaren informed the Crash MotoGP podcast.
“He has had questions, like Pecco Bagnaia has now, when he was at Yamaha.
“‘Why aren’t you doing what Fabio Quartararo is doing? You’ve got to alter your fashion’.
“It’s a tough one for a rider, as a result of every rider is totally different with their driving kinds and setup.
“He’s again on the rostrum and was driving properly. He took a tyre gamble, it was a terrific experience, to get again on the rostrum for the primary time since 2021.
“He’s beneath strain as a result of his experience is, so far as we all know, the one Ducati experience which is up for grabs subsequent yr.
“The rumours are that Pedro Acosta would possibly eye up that experience if issues don’t go to plan at KTM.
“There may be strain for him, due to how good the experience is. There might be lots of people who need a Ducati experience.
“They know that they may have the manufacturing unit Ducati engine for the subsequent yr.
“Ducatis are wanted, and he’s bought the one one that’s out there.
“He’s doing a superb job of claiming ‘earlier than you set anybody else on this seat, I deserve it’.
“He’s bought confidence again now, that’s at all times a giant factor.
“Fabio di Giannantonio was not far behind, and was getting back from a more moderen harm.
“A completely match Diggia may have been forward of Pecco…”
Morbidelli’s MotoGP future was saved when his previous mates at VR46 handed him a contract for 2025.
Final season his Pramac Ducati potential was largely ruined by a head harm sustained in pre-season.
He was coming off a colorless spell at Yamaha which ended with the producer letting him go.
When Pramac signed with Yamaha for 2025, Morbidelli’s future appeared unclear till VR46 provided a reprieve.
However he’ll want many extra of the performances that he displayed in Argentina.
KTM star Acosta has been linked within the Spanish media with a a swap to VR46 subsequent yr.
Like many riders, Acosta would possibly fancy driving a Ducati if his personal equipment doesn’t show aggressive within the close to future.
