Marco Bezzecchi
Ducati could now target a move to make Tech3 their new satellite MotoGP team from 2027, with Honda in talks to lure Gresini away from the Borgo Panigale brand’s stable.
The Bologna Bullets have boasted the biggest stable in MotoGP since 2019, as Ducati have been the sole manufacturer to supply two or more satellite teams throughout the past eight years. Honda, however, are keen to see Gresini join LCR in their satellite fold from next term.
Honda are seriously pushing in talks with Gresini, as they want to field six factory-spec bikes in the first campaign under the 2027 MotoGP regulations. Gresini were previously a satellite Honda team from 1997-2014, before they linked up with Aprilia in 2015 and Ducati in 2022.
Davide Tardozzi believes Gresini “want to stay with Ducati” entering the 850cc era next year, rather than reuniting with Honda. But it is said that Gresini could demand that Ducati make them a factory-supported team from 2027, like VR46 are, as they are an independent outfit.
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Ducati could add Tech3 as a satellite team in 2027 if Gresini join Honda
Ducati and Honda cannot currently finalise a deal with Gresini while the five manufacturers remain locked in talks with MotoGP over the collective commercial agreement for the next five years. But Ducati might have a Plan-B lined up for in case Gresini decide to join Honda.
READ MORE: Everything to know about KTM Tech3, including the MotoGP team’s riders
According to Manuel Pecino, Ducati could look to fill Gresini’s void in their satellite ranks by capitalising on Guenther Steiner wanting his Tech3 team to leave the KTM stable. Steiner is keen to secure a new partner for 2027, having now taken over Tech3 from Herve Poncharal.
It would be a case of one-out, one-in for Ducati by replacing Gresini with Tech3 to continue boasting two satellite teams, with VR46 expected to stay. Recent reports have claimed that Ducati have convinced VR46 to extend their satellite contract, after they spoke with Aprilia.
Uccio Salucci has confirmed that Aprilia approached VR46 to discuss Valentino Rossi’s team joining the Noale factory’s satellite stable from 2027. But VR46 are set to continue running Desmosedicis at the start of the 850cc era, and Tech3 could join them if Gresini join Honda.
Steiner has long wanted Tech3 to be a satellite Ducati team, and reports of his interest in a partnership with the Borgo Panigale brand first surfaced when it first emerged that he was leading a consortium to buy Tech3 from Poncharal. He finalised a takeover in August 2025.
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