Fermin Aldeguer will be the only VR46 rider on a factory Ducati bike in 2027
· Yahoo Sports
Fermin Aldeguer is set to make the switch to VR46 in 2027 after agreeing to Ducati’s offer, which came with a pay bump and assurances of better machinery than his teammate.
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Initially, Aldeguer was placed at Gresini for his 2025 MotoGP debut because Pramac, who had been lined up as his team, switched from Ducati to Yamaha. That change also led Ducati to make VR46 their new factory-supported squad.
With satellite deals up for renewal and new regulations kicking in from 2027, having the right backing will be crucial. Ducati clearly see value in moving their rising talent, Aldeguer, into VR46 as part of that plan.
Gresini owner Nadia Padovani wasn’t thrilled about losing Aldeguer. The team had hoped to keep him for a third season. But with Ducati extending his contract through 2028, they have full control over where he races next.
Fermin Aldeguer set to be VR46’s only factory Ducati rider in 2027
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty ImagesAccording to Motorsport.com, Ducati’s decision to extend Aldeguer’s contract and move him to VR46 for the 2027 season comes with plenty of benefits. The 20-year-old had hoped to remain with Gresini, but the pay rise offered by Ducati played a key role in his decision to accept the switch.
Ducati have also told Aldeguer that he’ll be on the same factory-spec bike as their two main riders next year. That could be a big deal as updates start rolling out. Meanwhile, there’s talk that Marc Marquez is set for a new contract, and Pedro Acosta could be joining from KTM.
While every Ducati on the grid will start the 2027 MotoGP season with identical setups, teams are expected to evolve throughout the year. Aldeguer will have access to every update that comes through, but his teammate at VR46 won’t have quite the same privilege.
Aldeguer is expected to be the only VR46 rider on a factory-spec Ducati next season, even if they renew Fabio Di Giannantonio’s deal. His current contract expires at the end of this year.
VR46 eyeing Nicolo Bulega, but Fabio Di Giannantonio remains the front-runner
Fabio Di Giannantonio appears to be in pole position to join Aldeguer in VR46’s 2027 lineup, though there’s still a chance the team could look to Nicolo Bulega. Ducati are reportedly keen on finding a MotoGP seat for their World Superbike standout, and VR46 could provide that path.
Nadia Padovani isn’t expected to let Ducati assign Bulega to Gresini following Aldeguer’s move to VR46. That leaves VR46 as Ducati’s only realistic option for placing the Italian into MotoGP next season. If Di Giannantonio holds onto his spot, Bulega might have to consider options outside of Ducati.
Bulega is contracted with Ducati only through the 2026 World Superbike season, serving also as a test rider during their development of the 2027 MotoGP bike. It’s still uncertain if he would accept staying in WSBK for another year or push harder for a move up.
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