Ducati offers Gresini update amid Honda 2027 MotoGP links

Ducati’s Davide Tardozzi has responded to rumours that Gresini could switch manufacturer for the 2027 MotoGP season, but says “I think they want to stay”.

Ducati has put a lot of emphasis on its satellite partners as being a key asset in its domination of MotoGP this decade.

At one time, having three satellite partners, Ducati still has the most bikes on the grid with six: two factory team GP26s, a GP26 and GP25 at Gresini, and the same at VR46 this season.

In a tricky start to the 2026 campaign, Ducati’s sole grand prix podium has come at the hands of one of its satellite bikes, after VR46’s Fabio Di Giannantonio beat Marc Marquez to third at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

But its current satellite structure faces an uncertain future, following reports across the Brazil weekend that Gresini is eyeing a return to Honda in 2027.

Ducati: “We don’t want to lose” Gresini

Gresini’s 2027 plans remain up in the air, with strong rumours suggesting both of its current riders will be leaving the team at the end of the year.

Alex Marquez, who was runner-up in the standings in 2025, is set to join the factory KTM outfit, while Fermin Aldeguer will continue with Ducati at VR46.

The Race then reported over the weekend that Gresini could return to Honda machinery in 2027, renewing a partnership that began in 2002 and ran until 2014.

It was a hugely significant period for the team founded by the late Fausto Gresini, with the squad finishing runner-up in the standings in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Gresini became Aprilia’s factory entry from 2015, before returning to independent status in 2022 as a Ducati customer.

Despite never having full factory machinery from Ducati until this year with Alex Marquez, Gresini has won races with all of its riders since 2022.

Reports of Aldeguer moving to VR46 angered Gresini team owner Nadia Padovani, Motorsport’s Spanish edition claimed, largely because it was unexpected.

Aldeguer’s contract is directly with Ducati, rather than Gresini, with the Spaniard holding a two-year option on his current deal that he has seemingly now exercised.

On the matter, Ducati team manager Davide Tardozzi told Sky Italy: “We don’t want to lose them.

“They’re a great team, starting with their debut results. Nadia debuted with [Enea] Bastianini’s victory in Qatar [in 2022].

“We’ll do everything we can, but I think they also want to stay with Ducati.”

Honda has remained tight-lipped on the situation, though its steady climb back up the order has made it a more desirable bike for customers, while HRC having six bikes on the grid with its factory team, LCR and Gresini would help accelerate development.