Marco Bezzecchi
As the most successful MotoGP constructor of the current decade, Ducati have a plethora of options that they can put into their factory team in 2027.
Francesco Bagnaia’s troubled campaign with the Borgo Panigale-based team this season has made him vulnerable to an exit in the upcoming years.
If Marc Marquez opts to continue with the Italian constructor upon the expiration of his contract at the end of 2026, it will leave just one seat available. Marquez has refused to commit to Ducati beyond 2026 at this moment.
The new 2027 MotoGP regulations will throw a curveball into the pecking order of the current brands in the premier class, which has left the seven-time world champion waiting to see if another team can provide a more attractive option for him.
Ducati have been linked with a number of MotoGP riders who could serve as a potential replacement to their current star-studded line-up in recent months, but there’s only one rider whom they should be putting their faith in.
READ MORE: Franco Morbidelli says there’s one thing even Marc Marquez can’t do in MotoGP
Sylvain Guintoli outlines how Fermin Aldeguer has been given all the tools to succeed at Gresini during rookie MotoGP season
Fermin Aldeguer didn’t face a lot of competition for the title of being the 2025 Rookie of the Year in the premier class, but he did put in some mighty fine performances on his way to taking it.
Topped off by Aldeguer’s maiden MotoGP victory in Indonesia, the 20-year-old has thoroughly impressed during his debut season in the category, notching a handful of podiums across the two formats of racing in the process.
During TNT Sports’ coverage of FP1 at the 2025 season-closer in Valencia, former MotoGP rider Sylvain Guintoli highlighted the impressive season that the Murcian native has had, whilst also detailing what will be expected of him next season.
He said, “Obviously, when you’re a rookie, you’ve got so much to learn, and these bikes are very different to the Moto2 package. You’ve got the tyres, the ride height device, it’s so much to take on board.
“He’s been absolutely brilliant, Aldeguer. And again, Frankie Carchedi is making it work with his rider, making another Gresini rider a winner. They’ve got such a great team. It’s the perfect setup, actually, for a rookie.
“And the experience of Frankie Carchedi as well, helping him to shine as a rookie. But, he’s going to have to put it all together. In the second year, you’re expected to be more consistent; you expect them to make those mistakes. It’s not easy to put it all together.”
READ MORE: Fermin Aldeguer explains why he ‘deserved’ a factory Ducati bike after Alex Marquez got one instead
Fermin Aldeguer can smash the expectations set out for him next season and secure his seat at the factory Ducati team in 2027
The 20-year-old is clearly a strong prospect in the eyes of bosses at the Bolognian outfit. Aldeguer’s initial contract with Ducati involved a clause which would see him receive factory support during his second season in the premier class.
In the end, Ducati went back on their promise to Aldeguer, handing Alex Marquez a GP26 for next season instead. However, that doesn’t indicate anything that is detrimental to the future of the 20-year-old.
He received compensation that will reportedly benefit him for the rest of his tenure in MotoGP, and team chief Luigi Dall’Igna has hailed Aldeguer as the future of Ducati in the past.
2027 certainly seems like the best opportunity to thrust the youngster into the spotlight of the factory squad, and Aldeguer himself is 100% sure that he will be riding in red come the start of MotoGP’s new era of regulations.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
