Portugal Colonial - Aldeguer switches to Rossi's VR46 for next season

Aldeguer, 21, claimed a win in Indonesia and two further podiums in Austria and France in his rookie year in the top flight in 2025 but is experiencing an awkward second season.

A fractured left femur caused him to miss winter pre-season testing. He has had one podium when he finished second in Catalonia but has not taken part in the last three races.

Aldeguer will have an official Desmosedici, just like the two riders in the factory Ducati team, his compatriots Marc Marquez and Pedro Acosta.

"Since his arrival in MotoGP, he (Aldeguer) has shown extraordinary talent, great learning capacity and a determination that immediately impressed us," said Gigi Dall'Igna, general manager of Ducati Corse.

"He is still a very young rider, but his potential is enormous and we are convinced that he still has a huge margin for progress. That's why we decided to invest further in him."

The identity of his future teammate is not yet known, but it is expected to be Italian rider Nicolo Bulega, who is dominating the Superbike championship.

Meanwhile, another Italian Luca Marini has signed for French team Tech3, KTM's satellite outfit run by the colourful Italian Guenther Steiner.

The 29-year-old, who is Rossi's half-brother, raced for VR46 before moving to Honda two years ago.

Tech3 has also yet to reveal the name of its second rider for 2027, but young Australian Senna Agius, currently third in the Moto2 championship, is believed to be the frontrunner according to several media outlets.

A.Seabra--PC