Marco Bezzecchi
Fermin Aldeguer is set to change colours within Ducati’s roster in 2027, moving from Gresini to VR46, a decision that has not sat well with his current team.
After a strong rookie season in MotoGP in 2025, the Spaniard missed out on a factory bike for the 2026 campaign. Nevertheless, Aldeguer has impressed Ducati with his talent, prompting them to move him up the chain of command.
What do you make of Fermin Aldeguer joining VR46?
A report in Spain says it's a done deal
VR46 have signed Aldeguer for 2027 and beyond, with Valentino Rossi keenly interested in him after losing out on Pedro Acosta. Being factory-supported by Ducati gives the 20-year-old the chance to lead a team.
But the decision has put Gresini in a difficult situation, as they are now set to lose their young prospect. Ducati’s handling of the situation has not sat well with team boss Nadia Padovani.
Nadia Padovani is surprised and ‘upset’ over losing Fermin Aldeguer to VR46
Currently, with Aldeguer off to VR46, Gresini have no riders or motorcycles for 2027. There are also reports that Alex Marquez is set to join KTM next year, and that the team could move to using Honda bikes.
Meanwhile, VR46 are close to extending their contract with Ducati amid links to Aprilia for 2027. With Aldeguer having signed a two-year deal, with the option of another two years, Ducati have moved him to the factory-supported team in 2027.
However, according to a report from Motorsport, this has caused ‘tensions’ at Gresini. Team boss Padovani was taken by ‘surprise’ by the decision and has been left ‘upset’ by losing Aldeguer.
It is believed to have ‘shook the confidence’ of Padovani in Ducati, thus creating speculation that she could move Gresini to Honda in 2027.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
Who is in the running to replace Fermin Aldeguer in 2027?
Davide Tardozzi says Gresini ‘want to stay’ at Ducati and that the manufacturer does not want to lose the satellite team to Honda. But Padovani’s outfit now face a difficult situation heading into 2027.
Ducati could price Gresini out next year as they look to supply their customer teams with factory bikes. The Borgo Panigale outfit’s demands go far beyond Gresini’s current budget, which could prompt a move to Honda.
You’re Gresini: Which MotoGP bikes do you run with in 2027 – Ducati or Honda?
There is, of course, also the issue of riders, with Marquez and Aldeguer both set to leave. But Gresini have a plan in mind for 2027.
Enea Bastianini and David Alonso are being targeted by Gresini, with the former potentially returning to Ducati after a dismal spell at KTM. The latter is held in high regard by Ducati, but a dispute over salary has hampered negotiations.
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