For the 2026 MotoGP season, six satellite teams are confirmed on the grid, and organizers have expressed their intention to preserve this number going forward. The Italian manufacturer Ducati currently supplies two satellite teams: Gresini and VR46 Racing Team, unlike Yamaha, Honda, Aprilia, and KTM, each of which fields only one satellite team alongside their factory squads. This setup is expected to remain stable, as MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group aims to prevent changes to this distribution for the 2027 season to maintain competitive balance.
Ensuring Each Manufacturer Has a Satellite Team
Discussion on the Paddock Pass Podcast revealed that MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group, formerly Dorna Sports, is firm on keeping a minimum of one satellite team per manufacturer in 2027. Neil Morrison highlighted that satellite teams strive to get the best machines for their riders, prompting negotiations to switch manufacturers, including Tech3’s interest in joining Ducati’s ranks. Despite these discussions, MotoGP leaders have intervened to uphold the current balance of satellite involvement.
“We know Guenther Steiner gave an interview when he was making the investment in Tech3, and he said something along the lines of switching to Ducati. But Pit Bierer was pretty emphatic about wanting them to remain with KTM.”
?Neil Morrison, MotoGP Analyst
Potential Change for VR46 Racing Team After 2026
Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing Team has partnered with Ducati since entering MotoGP in 2021 with his half-brother Luca Marini as one of the riders. However, this alliance may end after the 2026 season as reports suggest VR46 is negotiating a switch to Aprilia for 2027. This would involve supplying two Aprilia RS-GP motorcycles to the VR46 squad, which could reduce Ducati’s satellite presence on the grid from six riders to four, potentially disrupting the current manufacturer representation among satellite teams.
Impact on Manufacturer Representation and Future Seasons
Maintaining a balanced representation of manufacturers through satellite teams is crucial for the competitive integrity of MotoGP. By limiting Ducati to their current two satellite teams and discouraging further satellite team signings, MotoGP Sports Entertainment Group aims to keep a level playing field. Should VR46 proceed with a move to Aprilia in 2027, the reshuffle in satellite team alignments will be closely watched for its effect on team dynamics and manufacturer influence in the championship.
