Marco Bezzecchi
Fermin Aldeguer already knows what he can expect working with Valentino Rossi next year, after he confirmed his switch from Gresini to VR46 for the 2027 MotoGP season.
It has been an open secret in the paddock for the past few months that Ducati have decided to move Aldeguer from Gresini to VR46 next term, as they want their rising gem to be racing with their factory-supported outfit. But VR46 have yet to officially confirm Aldeguer’s move.
Reports first emerged in March that Aldeguer will join VR46 from 2027, after Ducati took up their option to extend the Spaniard’s factory contract through 2028. Aldeguer registered his MotoGP debut with Gresini in 2025 on a works Ducati deal that locked him in through 2026.
What is Fermin Aldeguer’s ceiling in MotoGP? 🤔
Fermin Aldeguer is raring to join VR46 and learn from Valentino Rossi
Aldeguer wanted to join Ducati’s factory team in 2027, but has had to settle for another stint with a satellite squad after the Borgo Panigale crew signed KTM ace Pedro Acosta to replace Francesco Bagnaia. Acosta will join Ducati on a two-year contract to partner Marc Marquez.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Fermin Aldeguer with his rise to MotoGP and height
Rather than dwelling on his disappointment at being overlooked by Ducati for his local rival Acosta, Murcia native Aldeguer is already raring to utilise a chance to work with Rossi when he joins VR46 next season. While riding for the seven-time MotoGP champion’s team will be “intimidating”, VR46 have guaranteed Aldeguer that Rossi will always be on call to help him.
Aldeguer told Ondo Regional: “I need to settle into the new team, but I have no doubt I’ll be made to feel very welcome.
“Settling in will be key because the bike, even though it’s a Ducati, will be new to everyone. It’s about arriving, taking my time, working together to build an understanding and growing.
“At first, [working with Rossi] is a bit intimidating. He won’t be at every race, but I’ve been told I can call him and rely on him for anything to do with the competitive side of things.
“There are few people better than him to help me, and I must make the most of that. His advice will help me develop and make me a better rider. He will help me see things more deeply.”
Who had the better racecraft, Valentino Rossi or Marc Marquez? Let us know why in the comments
Rossi often sparked controversy battling Marquez, like at Assen and Sepang in 2015
Rossi does not attend every MotoGP round in his role as VR46’s team owner, often because he is racing GT3 cars for BMW in the GT World Challenge. The Italian even recently skipped going to the German Grand Prix at the Sachsenring to head to Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Current VR46 rider Fabio Di Giannantonio would “love” Rossi to attend every MotoGP race, as the Italian cherishes the “super analytical and precise” feedback that his compatriot can provide. Di Giannantonio also believes Rossi can see “microscopic differences” in his riding.
That is the impact that Rossi will offer Aldeguer when he joins VR46 in 2027, while KTM will welcome Di Giannantonio alongside Alex Marquez as their factory line-up next year. Franco Morbidelli is also set to leave VR46 as Rossi’s team are expected to sign Nicolo Bulega, too.
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