VR46 is making moves for the 2027 MotoGP season, with team director Alessio Salucci confirming strong interest in signing Fermin Aldeguer. Salucci described the promising young Spaniard as a “fantastic rider” during the COTA weekend, fueling speculation that Aldeguer could swap Gresini for a spot in Ducati’s official satellite team.
A potential deal for Aldeguer would likely come at the expense of VR46 Academy rider Franco Morbidelli. Salucci clarified that Fabio di Giannantonio’s place in the team is secure, stating, “Di Giannantonio has never been in question. We’ve always wanted to continue with him, and our renewal proposal will be sent soon.” Like Aldeguer, di Giannantonio is directly contracted to Ducati and has impressed early in the season, claiming two pole positions and a pair of podiums in Brazil. Despite a Sprint race crash at COTA, he remains the top Ducati rider in the championship, currently sitting fourth overall.
In contrast, Morbidelli has faced a challenging start to the year aboard his satellite-spec Desmosedici, currently 13th in the standings with a best finish of eighth. “It was a tough weekend,” Morbidelli admitted after crossing the line 14th at COTA. “We struggled every day, but improved a bit each day. It was important to finish and gather data. Now we’ll use the break to keep training and come back stronger.”
Morbidelli, 31, joined VR46 last season after Pramac’s switch to Yamaha and managed four podiums on his way to seventh in the world championship.
Meanwhile, the Gresini squad is expected to undergo changes of its own, with Alex Marquez set to join KTM and rumors swirling about a new line-up featuring the returning Enea Bastianini and Moto2 star Dani Holgado. VR46 also had its sights on Pedro Acosta, but the KTM sensation is reportedly heading to Ducati’s factory team next year.
