Pertamina Enduro VR46, founded by Valentino Rossi, will retain its factory-backed team status in the MotoGP 850cc era thanks to a new agreement with Ducati. The contract is for three years and will be valid at least until the end of 2029.
2027 motorcycle: A factory, a standard spec.
According to VR46, the team will have two Ducati Desmosedici GP bikes in its garage for the 2027 season. One of these bikes will be a factory-spec machine that will receive technical updates throughout the season, while the other will be a standard-spec, non-factory bike. This arrangement aligns with the structure the team implemented in the 2025 and 2026 seasons. VR46, which took over the factory-supported status after Pramac's move to Yamaha in 2025, upgraded Fabio di Giannantonio to a factory-spec machine this season; Franco Morbidelli, meanwhile, continued to use the previous year's bike.
Ducati's other satellite team, Gresini, managed to remain outside this structure. Alex Marquez finished second in the championship last season with the GP24, a performance that earned him a factory-spec machine for 2026. Gresini will maintain this privilege in 2027; however, Joan Mir, who will replace Marquez, will use a factory-spec motorcycle.
Championship standings and 2027 driver uncertainty.
In the 2026 season, Alex Marquez won Ducati's first major trophy by winning the race in Jerez, which was restarted after a major accident. Di Giannantonio, meanwhile, won in Catalunya and is currently third in the overall championship standings, holding the top spot as the Desmosedici rider. Marquez and Di Giannantonio are expected to be teammates in the factory KTM team in 2027.
VR46 is the only Ducati team that hasn't yet finalized its 2027 rider lineup. It's anticipated that Gresini's current rider, Fermin Aldeguer, will join VR46 alongside Nicola Bulega. Aldeguer, who is currently under contract with Ducati and riding a satellite bike, is expected to receive a factory-spec machine.
VR46 team director Alessio Salucci said about the agreement: “We are truly proud to announce that we have renewed our contract with Ducati as a factory-backed team for the next three years.” Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall'Igna also stated: “We are pleased to continue this journey at least until 2029. I would like to thank Valentino Rossi, Alessio Salucci, Pablo Nieto and all members of the team for their professionalism and dedication.’