Marco Bezzecchi
VR46 will continue to use Ducati bikes beyond 2026, with a recent report suggesting that the Italian constructor convinced the satellite team to extend their deal by promising them an unnamed ‘top rider’.
Since joining the premier class grid in 2022, VR46 have spent all four of their years as a MotoGP outfit as recipients of Ducati’s best-in-class prototypes.
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However, the Valentino Rossi-owned team were without a factory deal heading into MotoGP’s new era of regulations, and it was rumoured last year that VR46 may ditch Ducati in favour of Aprilia due to a dwindling relationship between the Italian and Borgo Panigale.
Despite team boss Uccio Salucci admitting that some talks with Aprilia took place, he also stated that VR46 are likely to announce an extension of their deal with Ducati in the coming weeks.
VR46 were ‘convinced’ by Ducati’s offer of a top MotoGP rider during satellite negotiations
A report by Motorpasion Moto has shed more light on the events that led to VR46’s exit U-turn from Ducati.
The Bologna Bullets have been keen to keep VR46 on their side as a satellite team due to the advantage in data gathering it gives them. Ducati are the only constructor on the grid with more than one satellite team in their stable, meaning that they have an extra two riders than any of their rivals in that aspect.
According to the report, Ducati ‘convinced’ VR46 bosses to remain with them by promising them a ‘top rider’.
While there is no official confirmation on which rider’s name was brought up in conversations, the report highlights Gresini star Fermin Aldeguer as the most likely.
The 20-year-old is one of the hottest prospects currently on the grid and has been tipped by Ducati chief Luigi Dall’Igna as being the future of Borgo Panigale’s MotoGP efforts.
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What’s more, Ducati recently extended Aldeguer’s contract as a factory-backed rider until the end of 2028, meaning that they hold enough control to influence a move from the Gresini outfit over to VR46.
Aldeguer would certainly be a score for VR46. Not only is he tipped for greatness in the future, but he also has ample experience of Pirelli tyres in Grand Prix motorcycle racing from his days in the Moto2 category.
With the Italian tyre supplier taking over from Michelin next year, his feedback may prove to be invaluable for engineers as they try to find an early advantage on the new rubber.
- READ MORE: Valentino Rossi has already decided to sign two new riders for VR46 in the 2027 MotoGP season
Fermin Aldeguer is expected to return to action at the Brazilian Grand Prix
Due to an unfortunate crash before the beginning of pre-season testing, Aldeguer’s sophomore season in MotoGP began on the sidelines.
The young Spaniard missed the entirety of pre-season and the season-opener in Thailand, with Ducati test rider Michele Pirro undertaking his duties instead.
A return date has been touch-and-go over the last few weeks, but a recent report has suggested that Aldeguer will be back in action at the Brazilian Grand Prix next weekend.
The Gresini star was able to take part in a private test in Murcia on Wednesday, and according to sources close to the rider, everything went well.
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