Fermin Aldeguer Joins VR46 for MotoGP 2027 and 2028

Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has officially confirmed the signing of Spanish rider Fermin Aldeguer for the 2027 MotoGP season. The agreement will keep the young racer with Valentino Rossi’s team for two seasons, covering both the 2027 and 2028 campaigns.

The announcement adds another important piece to the MotoGP rider market ahead of a major regulatory change in 2027. Aldeguer will leave Gresini Racing after the 2026 season and continue his MotoGP career within the Ducati family, but this time wearing VR46’s distinctive fluorescent yellow colors.

Aldeguer Gets Factory Ducati Machinery

The move carries more significance than a simple change of team. VR46 confirmed that Aldeguer will become an official Ducati Corse rider and will receive a factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici GP from 2027.

That gives the Spaniard an important technical opportunity as MotoGP enters a new era. The 2027 regulations will introduce significant changes to the machinery, meaning riders and teams will have to adapt quickly to a different technical package.

Aldeguer believes remaining within the Ducati environment could make that transition smoother. Having already gained MotoGP experience on Ducati machinery with Gresini, he will arrive at VR46 with useful knowledge of the manufacturer’s working methods.

His stated target is ambitious but clear: build consistency, avoid unnecessary mistakes, help develop the new bike, and regularly fight for positions inside the top five.

Valentino Rossi Was a Major Attraction

Joining a team owned by Valentino Rossi also carries personal meaning for Aldeguer.

The Spanish rider has described Rossi as one of his idols and an important role model during his development as a motorcycle racer. He believes having the nine-time world champion closely involved with the team can help him improve through advice and experience.

For VR46, the signing fits the team’s established philosophy of combining competitive Ducati machinery with riders who still have room to develop.

Team Director Alessio Salucci has previously spoken positively about Aldeguer’s potential, while the official announcement described him as one of MotoGP’s leading young talents.

From Rookie Success to a New Challenge

Aldeguer arrived in MotoGP after building a strong reputation in the smaller categories. He entered the World Championship paddock through MotoE in 2021 before progressing to Moto2, where his speed made him one of the most closely watched young riders.

His first MotoGP campaign in 2025 strengthened that reputation. Aldeguer was named Rookie of the Year and also claimed his maiden premier-class victory at the Indonesian Grand Prix.

The result at Mandalika was especially significant because it showed that Aldeguer could convert his raw pace into a race-winning performance at the highest level.

By 2026, he was already competing in his second MotoGP season, making the move to VR46 another major step in a career that has progressed rapidly.

VR46 Prepares for MotoGP’s New Era

Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team is currently competing in the 2026 season with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli. The team also holds Ducati Factory Supported Team status, strengthening its technical relationship with the Italian manufacturer.

The arrival of Aldeguer suggests VR46 is already planning beyond the current championship and looking toward the technical reset coming in 2027.

That future will be particularly important for teams because a new generation of MotoGP motorcycles could change the competitive order. A rider capable of developing alongside the project may therefore be as valuable as immediate race results.

Aldeguer’s combination of youth, Ducati experience, and proven speed makes him an attractive long-term investment.

Gresini Chapter Set to End

The transfer also means Aldeguer’s time with Gresini Racing will conclude after the 2026 season.

In his comments following the announcement, he thanked the Gresini organization and team owner Nadia Padovani for helping him grow during the early stage of his MotoGP career.

The relationship played an important role in establishing Aldeguer in the premier class, but the opportunity to become a factory Ducati rider with VR46 represents another level of responsibility.

A Major Move for 2027

The agreement gives both Aldeguer and VR46 valuable stability through the first two seasons of MotoGP’s new technical era.

For Aldeguer, the move offers factory machinery, continued support from Ducati, and the opportunity to learn inside Valentino Rossi’s organization. For VR46, it secures one of the youngest race winners on the current grid.

Much will depend on how quickly the new partnership adapts to the 2027 motorcycle and regulations. However, the ingredients are already promising.

If Aldeguer can combine his natural speed with greater consistency, the partnership could become one of the most interesting combinations on the MotoGP grid when the new era begins.