Marco Bezzecchi
The MotoGP paddock has six satellite teams on the grid for the 2026 season, and does not want the balance to change in the future.
As it stands, each manufacturer on the MotoGP grid has at least a satellite team, but currently Ducati have two satellite teams in their ranks.
The Italian manufacturer will provide their MotoGP machines to Gresini and also the VR46 Racing Team for the 2026 season, with Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, and KTM all only having a satellite team alongside their factory squad.
This is a dynamic that could change with the satellite teams needing to sign new deals with manufacturers for the 2027 season.
However, it appears that the MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group [formerly known as Dorna Sports] do not want this to change in the future.
Which MotoGP satellite team has the best 2026 rider line-up?
One satellite team per manufacturer should be the minimum
On the Paddock Pass Podcast, the dynamic of MotoGP satellite teams was discussed, and Neil Morrison stated that MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group want every manufacturer to have at least a satellite team in 2027.
It is no secret that satellite teams want the best machine for their riders, leading many teams to discuss the potential of signing with Ducati, including Tech3.
However, the MotoGP bosses have stopped such deals from happening to maintain the ‘current balance’ of satellite teams in the sport.
Morrison said, “I know that Dorna [MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group] want to keep the current balance where there is at least one satellite team per manufacturer.
“We know Guenther Steiner gave an interview when he was making the investment in Tech3, and he said something along the lines of switching to Ducati. But Pit Bierer was pretty emphatic about wanting them to remain with KTM.”
Where should Valentino Rossi take his VR46 team in 2027?
The VR46 Racing Team could leave Ducati at the end of 2026
When Valentino Rossi entered his VR46 Racing Team into the premier class in 2021, he joined forces with Ducati and debuted his half-brother, Luca Marini, in the series.
The Italian has kept his team with the Italian manufacturer ever since, but after six seasons, the VR46 Racing Team could switch allegiances for 2027.
There have been reports that Aprilia and VR46 are in discussions of joining forces in 2027 and will supply two Aprilia RS-GPs to Rossi’s team, bringing an end to his time with Ducati.
This would cause a shuffle for the MotoGP satellite teams and leave Ducati with two fewer bikes on the grid, bringing them down from six to four.
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