Gresini's MotoGP team wish 'will become a reality from 2022'

The Gresini team is "speaking with several manufacturers and in a matter of few weeks we will reveal the details of our [2022] MotoGP project".

Those are the words of Nadia Padovani, Fausto’s wife, who has been announced as the new CEO of the Faenza-based company, thus taking over Fausto's former roles of both Team Owner and Team Principal.

Following Fausto's tragic death from Covid-19 complications earlier this year, there had been speculation that the team's plan to continue in MotoGP by reverting to full Independent status next season might be in jeopardy.

However, a Gresini statement makes clear; 'With the whole family on board to give continuity to the company, Fausto’s secret wish to return to MotoGP as an Independent team will become a reality from 2022, as expected by the contract signed with Dorna at the end of last season.'

Gresini is currently partnered with the Factory Aprilia project, but Aprilia is set to join the other five manufacturers in having its own grid places for the next 2022-2026 contract cycle with Dorna (Update: Aprilia's 2022 Factory grid places now officially confirmed).

It has not yet been ruled out that Gresini could continue its relationship with Aprilia as a satellite team, but Suzuki and Ducati machines have also been rumoured. Fabio di Giannantonio, who races for Gresini in Moto2, is poised to be one of the team's 2022 MotoGP riders.

“I would like to think that Fausto’s two families – ours and the racing one – have joined their efforts to bring forward everything he was planning, and especially the MotoGP," said Nadia Padovani.

"To have an Independent team in the premier-class is surely something very demanding, with a team to be built from scratch, but I know everyone in the company is giving their 110% to make his dream come true.

"Personally, I see it as a real mission, a challenge we will face – also and above all – thanks to the strength of Fausto, who is following us from above.

"We’re currently speaking with several manufacturers and in a matter of few weeks we will reveal the details of our MotoGP project.”

Nadia and Fausto's sons Lorenzo and Luca will also be part of the company, Lorenzo on the administrative side and Luca in more of a sporting role and will be present at Jerez this weekend.

Gresini is the only team currently participating in all three grand prix classes.