Aldeguer switches to Rossi’s VR46 for next season

Spanish rider Fermin Aldeguer, currently in his second MotoGP season with the Gresini team, has signed a two-year deal with VR46, the other Ducati satellite team owned by legend Valentino Rossi, the Italian team announced on Wednesday.

Aldeguer, 21, took a win in Indonesia and two further podiums in Austria and France in his rookie year in the top flight in 2025, but is having an embarrassing second season.

A fracture of his left femur caused him to miss the pre-season winter tests. He achieved a podium when he finished second in Catalonia but did not take part in the last three races.

Aldeguer will have an official Desmosedici, as will the two riders of the official Ducati team, compatriots Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta.

“Since his arrival in MotoGP, he (Aldeguer) has demonstrated extraordinary talent, a great ability to learn and a determination that immediately impressed us,” said Gigi Dall’Igna, general director of Ducati Corse.

“He is still a very young driver, but his potential is enormous and we are convinced that he still has enormous room for progress. That is why we have decided to invest further in him.”

The identity of his future teammate is not yet known, but it is expected to be Italian rider Nicolò Bulega, who is dominating the Superbike championship.

Meanwhile, another Italian, Luca Marini, has signed for the French Tech3 team, a satellite team of KTM managed by the colorful Italian Guenther Steiner.

The 29-year-old, Rossi’s half-brother, raced for VR46 before moving to Honda two years ago.

Tech3 has yet to reveal the name of its second rider for 2027, but young Australian Senna Agius, currently third in the Moto2 championship, is believed to be the favorite according to several media outlets.