Valentino Rossi has expressed that he has specific riders in mind for VR46 in 2027, which many interpret as a strategic move to increase pressure on Ducati.
While not officially confirmed, it is expected that 2026 will mark the end of the current riders’ tenure at VR46, specifically Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli. Consequently, Rossi needs to find two new riders for 2027, along with the decision of whether to stick with Ducati machinery moving forward.
VR46 has a multi-year agreement with Ducati starting in 2025, designating it as a factory-supported team, and this partnership is presumed to continue. However, Rossi has preserved the option to exit the contract at the end of 2026, providing leverage as the 2027 rider market unfolds.
Seeking a Winning Formula
Rossi is keen on assembling a rider line-up that invigorates his global fanbase and reestablishes VR46’s competitiveness in races—a feat not accomplished since Marco Bezzecchi clinched three victories (Argentina, France, and India) in 2023. However, with no up-and-coming Italian star readily available within the team, he hinted strongly at knowing his desired riders for 2027 but refrained from naming them during VR46’s launch in Rome, stating, “I know, but I can’t say yet.” This comment is perceived as a strategic nudge to Ducati, encouraging them to assist in acquiring top-tier talent.
Meanwhile, Ducati officials at their launch event in Madonna di Campiglio downplayed Rossi’s indications while affirming that the partnership with VR46 is likely to continue. Their current focus is on finalizing the contract with Marc Marquez before shifting attention to Francesco Bagnaia’s future and other considerations.
Acosta: A Challenging Ambition
Rossi’s top choice appears to be Pedro Acosta. However, Ducati is prioritizing Acosta as a potential partner for Marquez in their official team for 2027-28, with Ducati’s technical director Gigi Dall’Igna eager to finalize that deal promptly. Should Acosta’s signing proceed, the rider market could undergo significant shifts, potentially resulting in Bagnaia needing to seek a seat with another factory team, likely Yamaha. KTM would then need to look for young talent to fill Acosta’s void, and Honda would vigorously pursue 2021 champion Fabio Quartararo.
Younger Talents in the Wings
Regarding alternatives, Acosta’s manager Albert Valera mentioned that while “VR46 is an option, but our first goal is to fight for a factory ride—whether with Ducati or another manufacturer.” This statement implies that joining VR46 for 2027 may be unlikely unless the market dynamics dramatically shift. As a backup plan, with Ducati’s cooperation, Rossi has identified two promising riders: Fermin Aldeguer, contracted with Ducati until the end of 2027, and David Alonso, the 2024 Moto3 champion, aiming to secure another title in 2026 before moving to MotoGP as a Ducati-contracted rider.
Strategic Changes Ahead with 2027 Regulations
The upcoming major technical regulation changes in 2027, which will see all Ducati machines utilizing a unified specification in the initial year (GP27), place Ducati at an advantage in the rider market. The company seeks to position Aldeguer as the lead official rider in a satellite team, while VR46 considers him a viable alternative to Acosta. This competitive maneuvering may lead to intense negotiations among Ducati’s top two satellite teams. Gresini Racing is expected to renew with Alex Marquez for 2027-28, likely drawing competitive interest and requiring substantial investment to secure him a full factory-spec bike post-2026.
