Marco Bezzecchi
VR46 may be obstructing negotiations between Ducati and Gresini over a new satellite deal, based on a report. The future of the partnership is in doubt.
Gresini are currently without a rider for 2027 after Ducati decided to move Fermin Aldeguer to VR46. On the other side of the garage, Alex Marquez has agreed to join KTM.
Team boss Nadia Padovani is reportedly upset with Ducati over losing Aldeguer. Meanwhile, Gresini are negotiating with Honda, their former partners, as part of an increasingly attractive backup plan.
What do you make of Fermin Aldeguer joining VR46?
A report in Spain says it's a done deal
Gresini have a ‘50%’ chance of splitting with Ducati as VR46 block salary request
Gresini can’t afford to meet Ducati’s financial demands at present. There will be no discounted year-old machinery available next year – Aldeguer is currently riding a GP25 – given that the regulations are being overhauled.
What’s more, Ducati’s expensive move for Pedro Acosta, along with a contract extension for Marc Marquez, has depleted their budget. This may be why they are demanding more money from satellite teams.
As the Aldeguer move suggests, VR46 are about to renew with Ducati. When the sport’s new commercial agreement is finalised, that deal should be announced.
You’re Gresini: Which MotoGP bikes do you run with in 2027 – Ducati or Honda?
According to Motorpasion Moto, Gresini would like Ducati to cover the salary of at least one rider if they are to extend. This would make sense if a factory-contracted rider races in their colours, in the same vein as Aldeguer.
However, Valentino Rossi ‘won’t accept’ this clause unless Ducati pay the wages of both VR46 riders. The report rates the chances of a deal at 50%, so Gresini’s future is certainly hanging in the balance.
Who will ride for VR46 and Gresini in 2027?
Ducati have taken up the option to extend Aldeguer’s contract by two years and awarded him a pay rise. VR46 have also been linked with Nicolo Bulega, a WSBK star and a test rider for Luigi Dall’Igna.
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have the advantage of incumbency, though, and one of them could yet stay. Di Giannantonio has made a particularly impressive start to the new season, bagging his second career pole in Brazil and converting it to two podiums.
Ducati want to sign David Alonso and Gresini would be the ideal starting point if they are able to get a deal done, though they face competition from Honda.
If Padovani reunites her team with Honda, Gresini could sign Enea Bastianini, the former Ducati factory rider.
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