Ducati’s handling of Fermin Aldeguer move to VR46 in 2027 could strain future relationship
· Yahoo Sports
Fermin Aldeguer’s move from Gresini to VR46 raises eyebrows in the paddock
Ducati’s decision to shift Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini to VR46 for the 2027 MotoGP season may carry bigger implications than it first appeared.
While several riders have already locked in their deals for 2027, Aldeguer’s switch came as a surprise. He seemed settled at Gresini, where he’d found both stability and success.
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The Spaniard took Rookie of the Year honours in 2025, picking up one win and three podiums along the way. Heading into 2026, his partnership with Gresini looked strong, but that tie will be cut short before long.
Aldeguer is expected to join VR46 next year after Ducati made the call to place him with their factory-supported team. Despite finishing behind Gresini in 2025, Valentino Rossi’s squad remains Ducati’s second-tier outfit behind Pramac.
Aldeguer is under contract with Ducati through 2026, with an option for two more years. The decision to move him between satellite teams has raised questions across the paddock, especially given how both sides have reacted.
Photo by Klaus Pressberger/SEPA.Media /Getty ImagesDucati may damage their relationship with Aldeguer, who didn’t want the VR46 switch
Nadia Padovani has said she’s “upset” with Ducati after the decision to move Aldeguer. Gresini were hoping to keep hold of their rising star, but they’ve now lost both seats, with Alex Marquez expected to join KTM.
The move wasn’t something the 21-year-old wanted either. He preferred staying at Gresini, and considering what’s coming for Ducati’s satellite teams in 2027, it makes the transfer hard to justify.
Now, VR46 do have factory support from Borgo Panigale, which means more resources and direct access to upgrades. Aldeguer is expected to receive a factory-spec bike in 2027, having missed out on one this year.
While that adds some appeal to the switch, Ducati are planning to supply factory bikes across all teams next season anyway. Staying at Gresini would likely have brought him the same machinery.
This move appears driven entirely by Ducati’s own interests. Gresini aren’t happy about it, and there’s already talk that they could split from the manufacturer after this season. As for Aldeguer, he remains with Ducati but will be wearing colours he never asked for.
Ducati see Aldeguer as a future cornerstone of their programme. But this could be an early sign of tension between them if things don’t click quickly at VR46 – especially since he’ll be their first non-Italian rider since joining MotoGP in 2022.
How Ducati’s 2027 squad is shaping up
While none of the 2027 moves has been officially confirmed yet, teams are already lining up their rosters as talks continue over the next Concorde Agreement. Ducati has moved early, keen to lock in their key riders.
Marc Marquez is expected to remain with the team, while Pedro Acosta will make the switch from KTM. Francesco Bagnaia’s move to Aprilia clears a path for Acosta to join Marquez in Bologna.
Aldeguer is locked in at VR46, though his teammate hasn’t been named yet. Fabio Di Giannantonio has put himself in a strong position to keep that spot after an impressive start to 2026.
Gresini are also facing big changes, needing a completely new line-up. Daniel Holgado and Enea Bastianini have both been mentioned as possibilities. Meanwhile, Padovani isn’t under pressure to sign Nicolo Bulega just yet, even though the World Superbike rider looks set on a MotoGP move for 2027.
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