The recent departure of Fermin Aldeguer to ride with VR46 for 2027 has raised alarms within the Gresini team. This situation has led the team, led by Nadia Padovani, to consider limited alternatives before finalizing a contract with Ducati that seems increasingly definitive.
The tensions between the two satellite structures of Ducati, VR46 and Gresini, have notably increased since the decision to move Aldeguer to VR46. Although the Spanish rider has expressed his desire to continue with Gresini, his departure was a strategic decision by Ducati, which has upset the Gresini management.
The team finds itself in a difficult situation with Aldeguer’s exit, especially since Alex Marquez has already been confirmed to be leaving for KTM. The need to keep Aldeguer in the team reflected the importance this rider had acquired during his first season in MotoGP.
To complicate matters, the new status of VR46 as a team with official Ducati support, following Pramac‘s transition to Yamaha, has created a disadvantage for Gresini. This more favorable situation for VR46 has not recently translated into significant results, but it is a factor weighing in the balance within the paddock.
The management of Aldeguer is complex, as the rider has a contract that allowed him to join Ducati until 2028, with a salary increase and the opportunity to compete alongside Marc Marquez in 2027, which would have magnified his sporting aspirations.
Despite the tensions with Aprilia after Gresini ceased to be a partner of this brand in 2021, and the uncertainty with Honda, Gresini has explored different options, although the current landscape makes continuing with Ducati the best viable solution.
Regarding the signing of new riders, Dani Holgado is the first to join the upcoming Gresini team, while for the other seat, the incorporation of Enea Bastianini is being considered, as he seeks to return to the team where he achieved his first victories in MotoGP. However, his contract with KTM presents an obstacle.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
