Double 125cc world champion and experienced team boss Gresini died in February after a two-month battle against COVID-19.
The team, which is active in Moto3, Moto2 and MotoGP and currently acts as Aprilia’s factory entry, promised to continue despite Gresini’s tragic death.
When the squad becomes independent again in 2022, Padovani will take over the roles previously held by her late husband – while her sons Lorenzo and Luca will take over roles within the team.
“I would like to believe that Fausto’s two families – ours and the racing family – have joined in their efforts to advance everything he was up to, and MotoGP in particular,” said Padovani.
“To have an independent team in the premier class is certainly something very demanding. A team has to be built from scratch, but I know that everyone in the company gives 110% to make their dream come true.
“Personally, I see it as a real mission, a challenge that we have to face – also and above all – thanks to the strength of Fausto who follows us from above.
“We’re currently talking to several manufacturers and will be announcing the details of our MotoGP project in a few weeks.”
Fausto Gresini tribute on the bike of the Aprilia Racing Team Gresini
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Gresini and the Italian manufacturer, who have been running the Aprilia factory since 2015, will cut ties at the end of this season, as Aprilia will be joining as an independent factory team from 2022.
Autosport assumes that Ducati has been in talks with Gresini Racing about a satellite partnership for some time.
Ducati is keen to keep its six bikes for the next year. Gresini has the opportunity as Avintia will leave the World Cup at the end of the season.
In a unique homage to the late Fausto Gresini, the MotoGP paddock in Portugal and the Formula 1 paddock in Imola have joined forces for a moment of silence to remember the team boss from last week.
The MotoGP paddock also had a separate moment of silence for Gresini during the Qatar Grand Prix.