The competition for one of the most sought-after satellite spots in MotoGP for 2027 appears to be narrowed down to four Italian riders.
Valentino Rossi, who owns the Ducati satellite team VR46, confirmed to Sky Sports Italia that retaining an Italian racer is a priority for the lineup.
Although the team hasn’t publicly discussed it yet, it’s known that they will lose their leading racer, Fabio Di Giannantonio, who won the Catalan Grand Prix, to KTM in 2027, while gaining Spanish rider Fermin Aldeguer from Gresini.
The identity of Aldeguer’s teammate, however, remains uncertain. When Sky Sports Italia presented Rossi with a shortlist of Nicolo Bulega, Luca Marini, and Celestino Vietti, Rossi didn’t contest the names but highlighted that current rider Franco Morbidelli is also in consideration.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of each contender: Bulega, Marini, Vietti, and Morbidelli, before disclosing our pick.
Nicolo Bulega
Why Bulega: Bulega is already under contract with Ducati for 2027 and is involved in the development of the 850cc bike, making him a convenient choice with promising potential for VR46. Despite a rocky start in MotoGP, he impressed last year while substituting for the injured Marc Marquez. His ongoing success in World Superbike, where he recently secured his 19th consecutive win, strengthens the case for bringing him on board.
Why not: Joining MotoGP at 27 and having an unproven track record in grand prix racing raises concerns. Transitioning him could weaken Ducati’s World Superbike program, although there are suitable alternatives available for WSBK.
Luca Marini
Why Marini: Marini’s availability is surprising, considering his successful tenure with Honda, where he’s scored well and contributed to improvements in the bike. With Honda’s recent commitments leaving them no available seats, satellite teams may look to acquire a reliable racer like Marini, benefiting from his familiarity with VR46 and Ducati.
Why not: Marini’s top scorer status this year doesn’t fully reflect his performance, as he seems to lag behind his teammates in qualifying. His reliability does not guarantee that he is the fastest option within Honda’s lineup.
Celestino Vietti
Why Vietti: As a promising talent from VR46 yet to enter MotoGP, Rossi and the team likely see value in promoting him, especially as he appears to be improving. With eight wins in 100 Moto2 starts and current traction, he seems set for potential success.
Why not: Vietti’s erratic performance in Moto2 and prolonged stay without a standout breakthrough might deter teams. Additionally, concerns about nepotism could complicate his entry into MotoGP.
Franco Morbidelli
Why Morbidelli: The VR46 team values Morbidelli, and Rossi believes he has been misunderstood this season, being on a problematic Ducati model. His recent performance in Barcelona signifies his potential.
Why not: Despite showing promise, Morbidelli’s recent record is underwhelming. Since his mid-2021 injury, he has struggled to maintain productive performances and may need to seek opportunities elsewhere to revitalize his career.
Who We’d Choose
Rossi hinted that the upcoming races will influence their decision, but a comprehensive evaluation is crucial. Although Morbidelli might be the least favorable option and Vietti presents uncertainties, Marini offers stability and could be a suitable partner for the less experienced Aldeguer.
However, if Ducati prefers Bulega, then leveraging Marini’s inclusion in negotiations could yield a beneficial agreement, as Bulega is, without doubt, a worthy candidate.
