VR46 has expressed a clear interest in signing Franco Morbidelli for the upcoming MotoGP season.
With Pramac’s decision to switch from Ducati to become a Yamaha satellite team next year, the team will feature a new rider lineup. Jorge Martin is set to leave for Aprilia, while Morbidelli, who was previously dropped by Yamaha. Is unlikely to return to the factory team.
This creates a potential opportunity for Morbidelli at Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team, where the team would ideally fit him with a vacant bike. VR46 team manager Uccio Salucci has voiced enthusiasm for this move, stating: “I would love to work with Morbidelli. I’ve admired him for a long time and it would be fantastic to have him on board. Maybe next year could be the one where it becomes a reality.”
Currently, the VR46 team does not have any riders from Rossi’s academy signed up for next year. Marco Bezzecchi will join Aprilia after Luca Marini’s move to Repsol Honda. Fabio di Giannantonio is expected to remain with the team and could benefit from a factory-spec Ducati bike. As VR46 transitions from using year-old bikes to the GP25 model.
Since Ducati plans to allocate only one GP25 bike outside their factory team, Di Giannantonio’s prospective teammate will likely use an older machine. If Morbidelli makes the move to VR46, he would ride the GP24. Which is the same bike he currently races with Pramac.
Morbidelli’s first season with Ducati suffered from an injury he sustained during a pre-season test, which impacted his early performance. However, his recent P5 finish in Germany highlighted his enduring skills and potential.
VR46’s interest in Morbidelli underscores their aim to strengthen their lineup and leverage his experience as they move into the new season.
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