
Ducati vows to keep Gresini as Honda pursues team
Honda is reportedly in talks to bring Faenza-based Gresini Racing into its MotoGP fold as a Honda satellite team for the 2027 season. If finalized, the move would see Honda take over the Italian team and field a new rider lineup; multiple outlets say Honda is actively pursuing Gresini. Gresini is run by Nadia Padovani and has been backed by Ducati since 2022 (one outlet has suggested the partnership dates to 2021).
Coverage highlights Gresini’s strong recent results with Ducati — notably Álex Márquez’s runner-up finish in 2025 (the team’s best prototype-era result since Marco Melandri in 2005) and Enea Bastianini’s third place in 2021 — and reports that financial strains related to buying Ducati prototypes have been a factor behind the talks. Media reports have named possible rider targets if a Honda satellite deal proceeds: Motosan identified Enea Bastianini and 19-year-old Moto2 rider and ex-Moto3 world champion David Alonso as candidates for the two seats.
Outlets caution any moves would depend on the satellite agreement and would take effect for 2027; MotorsportWeek adds that a switch would likely require Gresini to part ways with current riders such as Marc Márquez and Fermín Aldeguer. The speculation has drawn pushback: Ducati MotoGP director Davide Tardozzi told Sky Italia after the Brazilian Grand Prix that Gresini “want to stay” with Ducati and that Ducati would “do everything possible to keep Gresini.” Observers also point to expiring satellite-team contracts in 2026 and a wider 2027 regulation overhaul as context. Until teams or manufacturers make formal announcements, the situation remains developing and disputed.
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