Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team have reportedly identified who will partner Fermin Aldeguer.
With many rumours circulating in the MotoGP paddock, there have been minimal announcements regarding any moves for the 2027 season.
However, it has been reported that Fermin Aldeguer will be moving teams, but will remain on a Ducati for his third year in the class. As it has been suggested that Aldeguer has signed for Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team.
Neither of the current VR46 Racing Team riders, Fabio Di Giannantonio or Franco Morbidelli have re-signed with the team for the 2027 season, leaving two Ducatis available for next year.
But it has been suggested that VR46 may be looking to promote talent from Moto2 into MotoGP to partner Aldeguer for his first season with the Italian team, if they choose not to re-sign Di Giannantonio or Morbidelli.
What do you make of Fermin Aldeguer joining VR46?
A report in Spain says it's a done deal
VR46 may look to Moto2 to find their second rider for 2027
Whilst appearing on NicoabadTV, Mela Chércoles discussed who could become Aldeguer’s partner for the 2027 MotoGP season at the VR46 Racing Team.
During the discussion, Chércoles revealed that if the team decides not to renew either Di Giannantonio or Morbidelli, then they will look to Moto2 and sign VR46 Academy member, Celestino Vietti.
Chércoles said, “One of the major signing moves for next year is that Fermín Aldeguer will be a VR46 rider next season. Aldeguer will continue to ride a Ducati, but he’ll be swapping the sky blue of the Gresini team for the fluorescent yellow of VR46.
“And the other seat – the other seat is definitely going to an Italian. Aldeguer’s teammate will be an Italian, with the spot up for grabs between Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli. Clearly, this weekend has seen Di Giannantonio take two giant strides forward in his bid to stay with that team.
“And if they were to fail spectacularly and Celestino Vietti were to do very well in Moto2, Vietti would probably be the chosen one, wouldn’t he? But normally it will come down to the battle between Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli, a battle in which Di Giannantonio currently holds a clear advantage.”
You’re Valentino Rossi: Which two riders do you sign for VR46 in 2027?
What is the situation with Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli?
As previously mentioned, neither Di Giannantonio nor Morbidelli have contracts with the VR46 Racing Team for the 2027 MotoGP season, and could both move away from the team.
The rider that would be a more realistic option to remain alongside Aldeguer would be Di Giannantonio, as the Italian has had a solid start to 2026, after featuring on the podium in the Sprint Race and Grand Prix in Brazil.
However, there have been reports that Di Giannantonio has been in contact with Yamaha regarding a ride with the factory team for next season, in a move that would see him partner Jorge Martin.
On the other side of the garage, Morbidelli looks unlikely to remain with the team, or in MotoGP at all. Since his success with the Petronas Yamaha squad in 2020, he has not had an outstanding year or contended for the title.
There have been questions surrounding Morbidelli for the last few years, and it looks like he could be World Superbike bound for the 2027 season.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
