Ducati's two-time MotoGP champion Pecco Bagnaia sounds resigned to an exit from the manufacturer's ranks for 2027 - and is targeting a swift resolution to his future in the series.
The priority rider within Ducati's ranks not so long ago, Bagnaia was made expendable by the arrival of Marc Marquez and his own erratic form in 2025 - and all signs now point to him being pushed out in favour of a Marquez-Pedro Acosta Ducati works line-up for next year.
Neither Ducati, nor Bagnaia have publicly acknowledged this as being the case. The manufacturer has been steadfast in its insistence that it is currently prioritising Marquez's yet-to-be-confirmed renewal and will only then turn to filling the other seat.
But Bagnaia has certainly dropped hints that he is having to look elsewhere.
He told the series' broadcaster after the Sepang test that he was "more or less in the same boat" as Alex Marquez, who had said he has offers pending and needs to make a prompt decision.
"On the table in front of me I have great opportunities," Bagnaia said. "And I will decide very soon."
He had thanked the print media during the test for not asking him about a 2027 deal, and when that question finally came on the final day he quipped: "I said thanks to you [for not asking]!"
"Still speaking. It's clear that a season like last year can put you on the wrong side [of the market]. But still speaking. I have many opportunities, and we just need to decide."
Considering that Bagnaia had always previously suggested he would be ready to re-commit to Ducati, and considering that there is no indication Ducati will have made him a works team extension offer at this point, his current options must logically all be alternatives.
These should include the likes of Yamaha (which is gaining momentum in the rumour mill), Aprilia (which has already re-signed his good friend Marco Bezzecchi) and perhaps Honda.
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One option that doesn't appear to be of much interest is remaining within the Ducati ranks in a satellite ride - perhaps with the VR46 team of his mentor Valentino Rossi.
When asked about this by Italian media, as reported by GPone, Bagnaia responded that he is a "frontrunning rider" in MotoGP and should make a decision accordingly.
"There are many opportunities. Fortunately what I have achieved in recent years is certainly helping now. Without pressure and without rushing, I will take what I see as the right decision."
The reality of most likely being ushered out of a seat he'd won two titles - and the reality of that decision being made before a single racing lap in 2026 - is a brutal one for Bagnaia.
Though Casey Stoner's peaks were higher and Marquez overshadowed him upon his arrival last year, it remains that no rider has won more MotoGP titles with Ducati, nor won more MotoGP races, nor taken more poles, nor scored more podiums.
None of that credit in the bank appears to have been enough to earn him a stay of execution on the decision - much less secure a 2027 extension.
At least publicly, it is a state of affairs that Bagnaia has accepted and does not complain about.
"It's what it is. We are living in a world that is always super-fast. So you need to be quick.
"And as Jorge Lorenzo said correctly - you are remembered for the last races you do. It's normal that it's like this. It's correct that it is like this.
"Surely in the last three-four years the contracts [for next year] are decided much before, much sooner, but it's like this. And honestly, I think it's correct."
