Pedro Acosta remains Valentino Rossi’s prime target for his VR46 MotoGP team, yet a strong interest from Ducati complicates the situation as the 2027 season approaches. The Spanish rider, who has expressed a desire to leave KTM well before his contract ends in 2026, is widely expected to join Ducati, but it is unclear which Ducati outfit he will ultimately ride for.
Since mid-2025, Acosta has sought to exit KTM, even attempting to terminate his contract prematurely, but both Dorna and KTM have denied his requests. As his current deal runs through 2026, the prospects of his move to Ducati in 2027 appear nearly certain, igniting a tense competition between Ducati’s factory team and Rossi’s VR46 squad.
Competition Intensifies: Will Acosta Join Factory Ducati or VR46?
According to Motorsport España, Acosta tops Rossi’s recruitment list for the VR46 team’s 2027 lineup. However, he is far from being an exclusive target. The Ducati factory team reportedly intends to replace Francesco Bagnaia with Acosta and rumors suggest a contract might already be signed.
Should these reports be accurate, Rossi’s hopes to secure Acosta would be dashed, forcing him to explore other options. With Acosta’s management, led by Albert Valera, leaning toward a direct factory move rather than a satellite team placement, VR46 must reconsider their strategy.
Rossi’s Contingency Plans Focus on Emerging Young Riders for 2027
Facing the likely loss of Acosta to Ducati’s factory squad, Valentino Rossi has developed a backup plan to fill VR46’s vacant seats in 2027. The team is set to part ways with Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli at the end of 2026, prompting a complete renewal of the rider lineup.
Motorsport España reveals that VR46 aims to recruit two promising talents, naming Fermin Aldeguer and David Alonso as leading candidates. This move signals Rossi’s commitment to nurturing young riders capable of becoming key performers within the team.
Assessing Potential Replacements: Fermin Aldeguer’s Rising Profile
Fermin Aldeguer, currently competing for Gresini, had an impressive debut MotoGP season, highlighted by a victory in Indonesia and earning the Rookie of the Year title. Although his 2026 contract included a factory Ducati bike, Ducati chose to award the GP26 machine to Alex Marquez instead.
With Ducati intent on designating Aldeguer as the lead rider at a satellite team, VR46 views him as a viable alternative to Acosta should they fail to acquire the Spanish standout. Aldeguer’s rapid ascent and resilience make him a worthy candidate for a premier team slot.
David Alonso: A Colombian Talent Poised for MotoGP Advancement
David Alonso is preparing for his second season in Moto2 in 2026 and has attracted attention from Ducati for a possible MotoGP contract in 2027. Given VR46’s focus on developing young talents, Alonso is considered a strong contender for a seat within Rossi’s team, offering fresh potential from the Colombian paddock.
Fermin Aldeguer’s Earlier Interactions with VR46 and Future Prospects
Aldeguer has been on VR46’s radar before stepping up from Moto2 to MotoGP in 2025. Despite initially declining VR46’s offer for the 2024 season in favor of a quicker entry into the premier class, he has expressed some regret about that decision.
He recently reaffirmed confidence in his choice of joining Gresini, highlighting the value of an official Ducati contract over a mere satellite team position. Now, with the possibility of becoming a lead rider in VR46 after their 2026 roster changes, Aldeguer faces an opportunity to take on a more prominent role.
What These Developments Mean for the 2027 Season
Pedro Acosta’s expected move to Ducati’s factory team could reshape the MotoGP landscape, particularly affecting Rossi’s plans for the VR46 outfit. Losing Acosta means Rossi must pivot towards developing emerging talents like Aldeguer and Alonso, emphasizing youth and potential over proven stars.
This shift highlights the ongoing challenges VR46 faces in attracting top riders amid fierce competition and organizational priorities within Ducati. How successfully Rossi’s team can integrate these new riders will have significant implications for their competitiveness in 2027 and beyond.
