Marco Bezzecchi
VR46 are interested in a move to sign Fermin Aldeguer for the 2027 MotoGP season as they will continue to be a satellite Ducati team, but he would prefer to stay at Gresini.
Aldeguer faces a somewhat uncertain future on the MotoGP grid, as Ducati are yet to name which team he will ride for at the start of the 850cc era next year. Ducati placed Aldeguer at Gresini from 2025 to make his MotoGP debut, but his deal to ride for Gresini lapses in 2026.
Ducati signed Aldeguer to a multi-year factory MotoGP contract back in March 2024, having been impressed by his great end to the 2023 Moto2 season. The 20-year-old’s deal saw him agree to a guaranteed two years in the premier class, with the option for an additional two.
It is now said that Ducati have decided to trigger their option to extend Aldeguer’s contract, which ties him up with the Bologna Bullets through at least 2028. It now remains to be seen who the Borgo Panigale brand decide Aldeguer should ride for, with VR46 interested in him.
You’re Valentino Rossi: Which two riders do you sign for VR46 in 2027?
Fermin Aldeguer wants to stay at Gresini in 2027, despite VR46’s interest
That is according to Motorsport.com, which reports that VR46 are considering having a new line-up next term. Franco Morbidelli is out of contract directly with VR46 at the end of 2026, while Fabio Di Giannantonio rides for VR46 on a factory Ducati contract that lapses this year.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
VR46 are even exploring having a mixture of youth and experience lead them into the 2027 MotoGP regulations cycle, with Aldeguer on their radar after he won the Rookie of the Year award in 2025. But Aldeguer wants to stay at Gresini if the factory Ducati crew are off limits.
Aldeguer hoped to ride for Ducati in 2027, but the Bologna Bullets have favoured a move to sign KTM’s Pedro Acosta to join Marc Marquez. So, Aldeguer has set his sights on staying at Gresini, although Ducati will ultimately have the last say on which team he rides for in 2027.
Ducati are open to placing Fermin Aldeguer at VR46 in 2027
Will Fermin Aldeguer be the successor to Marc Marquez at Ducati?
Aldeguer might even see Ducati dash his hopes of joining their works team and also staying at Gresini in 2027. Recent reports have claimed that Ducati have promised VR46 a top rider like Aldeguer for 2027, as they are keen to ensure that VR46 remain in their satellite stable.
The Murcian is considered the most likely factory-contracted Ducati rider to join VR46 next year, having merited interest from the team over recent months. It has also been said that Valentino Rossi sees Aldeguer as VR46’s Plan B to Acosta, having wanted the KTM ace first.
VR46 and Gresini are now waiting to learn what Ducati have in store for Aldeguer, who will fly to the Brazilian Grand Prix in his bid to return from injury later this month. The Murcian has yet to feature at all during 2026, after he required surgery on his left femur in early January.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
