Uccio responds to rumours linking Fermin Aldeguer with VR46.
There’s growing talk that Fermin Aldeguer will be heading to VR46 in 2027, and Uccio Salucci didn’t shy away from addressing the speculation.
The Gresini rider has already made a name for himself in MotoGP. He took home the Rookie of the Year award in 2025 after finishing eighth overall, with a standout win at the Indonesian Grand Prix.
Even though his Ducati contract promised him a factory bike for 2026, that didn’t happen. However, by 2027, all Ducati riders will have factory machinery—and Aldeguer’s will come with new colours.
Aldeguer is expected to join VR46 in 2027 as Ducati plans to move him from Gresini. Valentino Rossi’s team is second-in-command at the Borgo Panigale outfit, which will provide the Spaniard with factory support.
Uccio Salucci admits VR46 are big fans of Fermin Aldeguer
With the 21-year-old joining next year, things are going to look a little different at VR46. While Pedro Acosta was the top choice for the team, they had to look elsewhere once the factory Ducati outfit stepped in to secure him.
One of VR46’s current riders will be making way at the end of 2026, as both Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli face expiring contracts. Diggia is expected to hold onto his seat after a strong start to this season.
With Diggia likely staying, he looks set to partner with Aldeguer in 2027. Salucci confirmed during the United States GP that Fermin has long been on their radar.
Speaking to Sky Italia, he said: “We’re interested in Fermin, we’ve never hidden it. He’s a fantastic rider, he’s 21 years old. He’s a bit of everything: a young rider, a top rider, someone with experience. So we like him.”
Ducati and Gresini on different sides over Fermin Aldeguer’s VR46 switch
There’s been some tension at Ducati over Aldeguer’s planned move for 2027, with Gresini especially feeling the impact as they look set to lose both riders. Alex Marquez is expected to join KTM in the same year.
The bigger issue, though, is his teammate’s departure. Nadia Padovani isn’t happy with Ducati about Aldeguer heading to VR46, as she was hoping to keep him for another season.
That frustration led to talk that Gresini might break away from Ducati next year. There were even rumours they were in discussions with Honda and Aprilia about potential moves.
However, it appears they’ll remain part of the Borgo Panigale setup after all, but with a different roster. Enea Bastianini and Daniel Holgado are two names being linked to Gresini for 2027.
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