Marco Bezzecchi
Gresini are now set to sign Moto2 title contender Daniel Holgado to form part of their all-new rider line-up for 2027, after electing to remain a satellite Ducati MotoGP team.
The idea of Gresini leaving the satellite Ducati fold come the end of 2026 had started to gain traction in recent weeks, as their contract with the Borgo Panigale outfit is set to end. Honda and Aprilia are also both thought to have been looking into the idea of a reunion with Gresini.
It recently emerged that Honda are really pushing in their talks with Gresini, as the Japanese brand want the Italian squad to join LCR in their satellite fold to run six bikes under the 2027 MotoGP regulations. It is also said that Gresini have spoken with Aprilia over a possible deal.
But AS now reports that Gresini have decided to sign a new satellite contract with Ducati for 2027, despite the Bologna Bullets taking Fermin Aldeguer away from them after this term. It is believed that Ducati will put Aldeguer at VR46 in 2027, after extending his works contract.
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Gresini are set to sign Daniel Holgado and Enea Bastianini for their 2027 MotoGP line-up
With Alex Marquez also expected to quit Gresini at the end of his contract with the team to join the factory KTM squad from 2027, AS adds that the Faenza natives will ‘soon’ confirm a deal to sign Moto2 star Holgado to partner Tech3 rider Enea Bastianini in MotoGP next year.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Gresini from the MotoGP team’s riders to hierarchy
Gresini believe that Holgado, who is represented by Pol Espargaro, is ready to make the step up from the intermediate to the premier class as MotoGP introduces 850cc bikes next term. But Gresini want experience on the other side of the garage so will welcome Bastianini back.
Bastianini previously rode for Gresini in 2022, when the 28-year-old enjoyed the best season of his MotoGP career to date. The Italian finished third in the riders’ standings before joining the factory Ducati team in 2023, followed by a move to Tech3 on a KTM contract from 2025.
While Bastianini finished third in the Sprint at COTA last Saturday, he has largely struggled to adjust to the KTM RC16 after spending the first four years of his MotoGP career on a Ducati. Now, Gresini will welcome Bastianini back after they elected to recommit to Ducati for 2027.
It remains to be seen how important Gresini’s decision to stay in the Ducati fold was in their decision to also target Moto2 sensation Holgado for the 2027 MotoGP season. The 20-year-old sits third in the intermediate class standings with a 6.5-point deficit to Manuel Gonzalez.
Holgado is contesting his second campaign in Moto2 in 2026 and is expected to fight for the title this year. The Spaniard won the Moto2 Brazilian Grand Prix to clinch his third win in the class after scoring two wins as a rookie last year, but he struggled in America last weekend.
CFMoto rider Holgado only finished P16 in the Moto2 United States Grand Prix last Sunday, as he failed to earn a point after serving a long lap penalty for causing a collision at the start of the race. Holgado took out Joe Roberts at Turn 1 at the initial race start before a red flag.
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