Gresini boss Padovani: “A lot will change from next year!”

Next year, the Italian Gresini Racing team will have to reshuffle its rider line-up in MotoGP. Runner-up in the world championship, Alex Márquez, is set to join the KTM works team in 2027, whilst Fermin Aldeguer will move to Valentino Rossi’s VR46 Racing team.

The identities of the new rider pairing have long been known. On 2 July, official confirmation was given that the Faenza-based team will field former MotoGP world champion Joan Mir and rookie Daniel Holgado. This means that Gresini will once again have two Spanish riders on the grid in 2027 – once more a seasoned veteran and a young talent.

“A lot will change from next year onwards, but the essence of the BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP team will remain the same. We remain a team that works to develop further season by season, and in 2027 we will do so with two riders in whom we have great confidence and whom we will support wholeheartedly,” says team principal Nadia Padovani with conviction. “Dani is a rider we’ve had our eye on for a long time, and we’re delighted that he’ll be able to compete in his first season with us. Joan is a MotoGP World Champion – his track record speaks for itself. One is at the start of his career, the other wants to get back to his best form and realise his full potential. We want to be a solid point of reference for both of them.”

It was also confirmed on Thursday that the partnership with Ducati will continue into the new MotoGP era from 2027. “We will continue to compete alongside Ducati Corse, which has proven itself to be a reliable and successful partner over the years, and we are very pleased about that,” said Padovani.

Words of praise for Alex Márquez and Fermin Aldeguer

At the moment, the focus remains on the current season. Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer are currently 9th and 10th in the World Championship standings. “At the end of the season, we will be saying goodbye to Alex and Fermin – two riders who have given our team so much, both in terms of results and personal relationships. We would like to thank them and wish them all the best for the future,” emphasised Nadia Padovani.