VR46 has been approached by Aprilia about a possible partnership for the 2027 MotoGP season, but team principal Alessio Salucci emphasizes that they have never considered leaving Ducati. The squad is reportedly close to renewing its contract with Ducati ahead of the new 850cc/Pirelli era.
“We spoke with Aprilia a little bit because Aprilia wanted to speak with us and we are gentlemen,”
Salucci told Motorsport.com. Despite these talks, he reassured that the team remains committed to Ducati machinery as they continue their collaboration.
VR46’s Ducati Tenure and Recent Performance
Since entering MotoGP with Luca Marini in 2021, VR46 has exclusively used Ducati bikes and assumed the role of Ducati’s factory-supported satellite squad starting in 2025, replacing Pramac. However, this upgrade has yet to yield race victories, with the last VR46 wins coming from Marco Bezzecchi in 2023.
In comparison, Gresini Ducati achieved multiple race wins last year, with rider Alex Marquez finishing second in the championship standings. Bezzecchi himself secured a top-three finish in the world championship, marking a highlight for Aprilia’s recent MotoGP performance.
Historical and Managerial Connections Between VR46 and Aprilia
Although Valentino Rossi is more famously associated with Yamaha, he began his grand prix career with Aprilia, where he won both the 125cc and 250cc world championships before making his premier class debut with Honda in 2000. This established a longstanding link between Rossi and Aprilia.
Salucci also pointed out a connection through Massimo Rivola, Aprilia Racing’s CEO, recalling Rivola’s management role during Rossi’s 2004 Formula 1 test with Ferrari.
“When Valentino Rossi tried Formula 1 with Ferrari, Massimo Rivola managed the situation in 2004,”
Salucci said.
“I know Massimo; he’s a very good man and a very good manager. We spoke sometimes, two or three times [because] why not? But I never thought of changing from Ducati.”
Progress on Renewing Ducati Contract and Rider Situations
Salucci indicated that final negotiations with Ducati for renewal are nearing completion, with only minor details remaining.
“There remain some small, small details… We are really close to signing for Ducati again,”
he stated.
Current VR46 riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are set to become free agents after this season. The team has shown interest in signing KTM’s Pedro Acosta, though he has apparently chosen to join the factory Ducati Lenovo squad instead.
Aprilia’s Satellite Team and Recent Race Highlights
Aprilia’s satellite MotoGP team is Trackhouse, which secured victory at last year’s Australian Grand Prix with Raul Fernandez. Additionally, Aprilia riders performed strongly at the latest Thai season opener, occupying four of the top five positions, signaling their competitive form entering the new era.
