Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi’s move for Fermin Aldeguer caused surprise in the MotoGP paddock, according to Michael Laverty.
It emerged in March, during the Brazilian GP weekend, that VR46 were signing Aldeguer from fellow Ducati satellite squad Gresini in 2027.
They had hoped to land Pedro Acosta from KTM, but he will move straight to Ducati’s factory team instead, replacing Francesco Bagnaia.
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Speaking on TNT Sports, Michael Laverty says the timing of the Aldeguer news came as a shock. It hasn’t yet been confirmed, but this is a formality once VR46 and the rest of the teams sign the 2027 commercial agreement.
Aldeguer was the Rookie of the Year last season but his season hadn’t even begun when VR46 made their choice. The Spaniard missed the opening round due to a fractured femur injury sustained over the winter.
Of course, Aldeguer’s move to VR46 will be heavily incentivised given that he’s contracted directly to Ducati. He will enjoy full, continuous factory support – something he was denied at Gresini this year – and the Borgo Panigale outfit are bound to cover most, if not all, of his salary.
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“Everyone was slightly surprised that Aldeguer was placed there immediately, so early in the season,” Laverty said during the Le Mans weekend. “[There’s] one spot left.”
It has since emerged that the incumbent Fabio Di Giannantonio will join KTM, a blow to Rossi given the #49’s fine form this season.
“There will be a factory contract in the offing worth more maybe than seven figures,” Laverty said of Di Giannantonio’s dilemma.
“VR46 is an independent team, so you don’t expect millions for that, whereas a KTM contract would be a few million for Fabio. It would be a nice little uplift for him.”
World Superbikes champion-elect Nicolo Bulega is expected to replace Di Giannantonio, rekindling his ties with Rossi after coming through the academy.
This will very likely leave Franco Morbidelli out of MotoGP. While he may feel aggrieved that Rossi committed to a new rider (Aldeguer) so early in the season, he has done little on track to justify an extension.
Indeed, GP25 rider Morbidelli heads to Brno this weekend 14th in the championship – at least four places below any other Ducati rider despite injuries elsewhere.
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