VR46 received an approach from Aprilia regarding a potential partnership for the 2027 MotoGP era.

However, team principal Alessio Salucci insists the squad “never thought of changing from Ducati” and is close to extending its agreement for the upcoming 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.

VR46 has run Ducati machinery since joining the premier class with Luca Marini in 2021, taking over from Pramac as Ducati’s factory-supported satellite squad in 2025.

But the upgrade is yet to translate into victories, with the team’s most recent MotoGP wins still dating back to Marco Bezzecchi in 2023.

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By contrast, Gresini Ducati won races with both its riders last year, with Alex Marquez finishing as title runner-up.

Completing the world championship podium was Bezzecchi, who delivered Aprilia’s best yet MotoGP season.

Although Valentino Rossi spent the majority of his career with Yamaha, he made his grand prix debut with Aprilia.

The Italian went on to win both the 125cc and 250cc world titles with the manufacturer before switching to Honda for his premier-class debut in 2000.

But Salucci also revealed another link between VR46 and Aprilia, via the factory’s Racing CEO, Massimo Rivola.

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“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.”

Salucci added that a Ducati renewal is close to completion.

“There remain some small, small details… We are really close to signing for Ducati again.”

Current VR46 riders Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli are both out of contract at the end of this season.

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VR46 management made no secret of their desire to sign KTM’s Pedro Acosta, but appear to have lost out to the official Ducati Lenovo squad.

Trackhouse is currently Aprilia’s satellite MotoGP team, winning last year’s Australian Grand Prix with Raul Fernandez.

Aprilia riders filled four of the top five places at the recent Thai season-opener.

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