Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati and Gresini are currently ‘far’ apart in negotiations over extending their MotoGP partnership, according to a report. Satellite deals are up for renewal ahead of next year’s regulation changes.
Gresini have raced with Ducati bikes since 2022 when they split from Aprilia. Last year, they matched their best-ever performance by finishing runner-up in the championship behind the factory team.
Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer combined for seven wins and 32 podiums, including Sprints. However, KTM are signing Marquez for 2027 and it emerged on Friday that Aldeguer is moving to VR46, who are close to sealing an extension with Ducati.
What do you make of Fermin Aldeguer joining VR46?
A report in Spain says it's a done deal
Why Gresini may be priced out of Ducati contract extension
As reported by Motorsport Espana, Gresini are currently without both riders and motorcycles for next year. They would like to remain in the Ducati stable, but may have to reassess.
As it stands, Ducati’s demands far exceed Gresini’s budget. The price has increased because Ducati will be providing factory-spec bikes to all their customers at the start of the ruleset.
Gresini are waiting for the sport’s new commercial agreement to be finalised, at which point they will know exactly how much they can spend.
If they are able to find a compromise with Ducati, then Gresini could re-sign Fabio Di Giannantonio, who is currently contracted to the Bologna manufacturer. That will naturally depend on whether VR46 decide to keep him.
Ducati also want Moto2 star David Alonso, and Gresini could be the ideal starting point (as they were for Aldeguer), but talks with the Colombian have stalled over a salary dispute.
Fermin Aldeguer turned down factory offers to stay in Ducati setup
Motorsport ES also report that Aldeguer had the option to leave Ducati at the end of the year through an exit clause in his contract. He received offers from factory teams, but was persuaded to stay.
The two-year extension option in his contract has been triggered, with Aldeguer netting a ‘significant increase in salary and bonuses’.
A source told the publication that, in addition to getting a factory-spec bike by default, Aldeguer has been promised updates ‘almost at the same time as the factory team riders’.
The 2025 Rookie of the Year hoped to be riding a top-of-the-range GP26 this term, but that bike went to Alex Marquez instead as a reward for his runner-up finish.
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