VR46 CONFIRMS FERMÍN ALDEGUER FOR 2027 AND 2028 AS BUGLEA STILL PENDING

Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing has confirmed Fermin Aldeguer will join the team for the 2027 MotoGP season, with the move also extending into 2028. The 21-year-old arrives from Gresini Racing as the championship prepares to enter its new 850cc era, and the announcement follows Gresini’s own confirmation of its 2027 line-up. Aldeguer’s contract is understood to run beyond 2027 as well, with earlier reporting suggesting VR46 has him secured for both 2027 and 2028.

Ducati’s leadership has framed the switch as part of its long-term talent strategy. Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali welcomed the deal, saying Aldeguer “embodies perfectly Ducatis vision for the future of motorsport” by believing in young riders and supporting their development. Domenicali added that Ducati identified Aldeguer early as someone ready for a major MotoGP challenge, pointing to his Ducati debut and rapid rise to the grid. Ducati Corse CEO Gigi Dall’Igna echoed that confidence, stating Ducati is “very happy” to renew its agreement with Aldeguer for the next two seasons, citing his “extraordinary talent,” strong learning ability and determination.

Aldeguer’s VR46 move comes after a difficult 2026, where injuries disrupted his momentum: he missed the opener after a broken femur in pre-season training, then fractured his T7 vertebra at the Dutch Grand Prix. After returning, he took his first podium of the season at the Catalan Grand Prix by finishing second behind Fabio Di Giannantonio in a race affected by red flags.

VR46 delivered the confirmation via social media with a video in which Aldeguer made his pitch to the team leadership, including Uccio Salucci and Pablo Nieto. While Aldeguer’s arrival is now official, VR46 has not yet named his teammate for 2027, though Nicolo Bulega is widely expected to be announced as the partner.

New comments from Luca Marini add context to the 2027 changes. Asked about whether riders will have an advantage after the 850cc rule shift and other 2027 updates, Marini said Bulega will have “the most potential” at the start of the new season. He pointed to Bulega’s Ducati test role, saying the Italian has already completed more mileage on Ducati’s 850cc prototype than any other 2027 rider, and Marini also highlighted Bulega’s experience on Pirelli tyres from World Superbike as a key head start as the championship switches suppliers. Marini added: “Regarding the riders, whoever adapts to the tyres first will have a bit of an advantage at the start,” and said he expects Bulega to be “very strong” early because he has spent a full year testing the bike and tyres.

Marini also noted that Moto2 graduates could benefit too, saying he “wouldn’t rule out” those moving up. He referenced the broader reshuffle around Rossi’s 2027 plans, including that Rossi has lost Fabio Di Giannantonio to KTM and that the new-look line-up features a rider Marini described as “the future of Ducati” alongside a soon-to-be WSBK champion.