Ducati insider likens VR46 and Gresini tensions to ‘children always fighting’
Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images Managing two satellite teams has proven difficult for Ducati, especially with ongoing tensions between VR46 and Gresini. VR46’s signing of Fermin Aldeguer for 2027, taking him from Gresini, has only added to the friction between the two sides. Nadia Padovani was unhappy with Aldeguer’s move, feeling as though VR46 were being prioritised over their team.
Gresini even thought about switching to Honda or another team following this decision, highlighting how strained things had become. But that switch didn’t happen in the end. Ducati may have been relieved when Gresini moved on from their setup, given how tense things had gotten with VR46.
Photo by Gold & Goose Photography/Getty Images Inside Ducati’s Fatiguing VR46-Gresini Feud Speaking to Motorsport, a Ducati executive who preferred to remain unnamed said that Gresini and VR46 often require internal mediation to smooth over their differences. He described the situation between the two satellite teams as similar to dealing with two kids who can’t stop arguing, calling it “exhausting” to have to keep stepping in. Ducati likely would not have lost much sleep if Gresini had moved on.
It may have even simplified things for them, given how often they’ve had to play peacemaker. If Gresini had joined another manufacturer next year, Ducati reportedly already had other options lined up. But for now, Gresini remain part of their setup.
Gresini is looking to bring in a fresh face for 2027, but it won’t be Nicolo Bulega Gresini are still searching for replacements for both Fermin Aldeguer and Alex Marquez, but one candidate has already been ruled out. According to reports, Nicolo Bulega won’t be considered. Nadia Padovani is said to have pushed back against any move that would see Ducati place the World Superbike Championship rider with Gresini.