Maverick Viñales is being linked with a possible Ducati test role for the 2027 MotoGP season. The 10-time MotoGP race winner has lost his place on KTM’s grid, following a serious dispute over his contract for next year. At the same time, Viñales still refers to having a contract with KTM for 2027, so the precise status of that relationship remains unsettled.

The 2027 MotoGP grid is filled, with Honda still choosing between David Alonso and Diogo Moreira for the factory seat alongside Fabio Quartararo. The leading World Superbike positions for the following season also appear to be taken. That leaves Viñales with limited room for an immediate return to a full racing programme.

Why Ducati could consider him

Rumours have surfaced of a meeting between Viñales and Ducati management at the Japanese Grand Prix. Ducati’s current test line-up consists of Michele Pirro and Nicolò Bulega. Bulega is due to race for VR46 in 2027 after winning this year’s World Superbike title, while Pirro is 40. Viñales would bring experience from MotoGP machinery built by Suzuki, Yamaha, Aprilia and KTM, a background that could be useful in Ducati’s 2027 development work.

A regulation change means the test-rider role will not come with wildcard appearances in 2027. Viñales could nevertheless be kept on standby as an injury replacement. He has made his preference clear: racing in MotoGP remains more important to him than testing. Viñales says he still feels able to contribute a great deal and wants to consider his next move carefully, especially after recovering from his injury. He also said that he expects to return with plenty of energy, having done nothing over the past two years. A Ducati test position is therefore a possible route, but not one that matches his stated first choice.