Image: Supplied.

Ducati Corse has confirmed a contract extension with Francesco Bagnaia through the 2024 MotoGP World Championship season, remaining aboard the Ducati Lenovo Team’s factory Desmosedici GP bike for another two years.

The 25-year-old made his MotoGP debut in 2019 with Pramac Racing and achieved his first podium with that same team in 2020 at Misano, before being promoted to the official Ducati team last season.

With nine podiums, four victories and six pole positions, Bagnaia ended the 2021 world championship in second place and is now looking forward to the new season, which will start on 6 March at the Losail International Circuit in Qatar.

“Being a Ducati rider in MotoGP has always been my dream and knowing that I can continue with the Ducati Lenovo Team for another two seasons makes me happy and proud,” Bagnaia said. “I have found a serene environment in the factory team – I feel very much in tune with my team and know that we can do great things together. Now I can only concentrate on doing well in this championship. I’ll try to repay their trust with my results on the track!”

General manager of Ducati Corse, Luigi Dall’Igna, added: “We are delighted to have Bagnaia with us for another two seasons. Since he arrived at Ducati in 2019, Pecco has shown great talent and the ability to interpret our Desmosedici GP very well, adapting to ride it in any condition.

“He did it, especially in the last season, during which he had significant growth and got to play for the world title. The way he managed the races at Aragon, Misano, Portimao and Valencia, scoring four fantastic victories, is proof of his maturity as a rider. With these great qualities, we are sure that he has the potential to aim for the title with us”.