Italian manufacturer Ducati has officially admitted to discussing the possibility of bringing Maverick Vinales on board as a test rider for the 2027 MotoGP season. Sporting director Mauro Grassilli revealed that internal talks are ongoing as the brand evaluates candidates to bolster its test team roster alongside their core development program.
The 10-time premier class winner faces a period away from the full-time racing grid next year after his prospects within the KTM stable dissolved following a deteriorating relationship with the brand. Speculation immediately linked the Spaniard to a switch to Bologna after he was spotted holding discussions with Davide Tardozzi inside the paddock during recent rounds.
While earlier attempts were made by management in Indonesia to play down the paddock whispers, the narrative shifted during the Australian Grand Prix weekend. Grassilli openly acknowledged to Sky Italy that the multiple race winner has emerged as a viable candidate to join their testing department in the near future.
"We really appreciate Maverick," Grassilli told Sky Italy. "And it’s no secret that we’re looking for a test rider to partner Michele Pirro. We’re talking about it, but there’s nothing yet." The test rider slot holds significant value for the manufacturer, especially with Nicolo Bulega set to transition into a permanent race seat with the VR46 outfit ahead of the 2027 regulation changes.
Reflecting on the emerging opportunity, Vinales adopted a much more pragmatic stance regarding his immediate future in the paddock. Although he previously questioned whether a test role would satisfy his competitive racing ambitions, his current primary focus remains on undergoing a full physical recovery from lingering shoulder issues.
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