Michael Laverty has urged Valentino Rossi to ‘take a point’ on a potential ‘power’ rider for the VR46.
Seven-time world champion Rossi is on the lookout for a new rider after it was widely reported that Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio will leave at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.
Giannantonio is set to sign for KTM for 2027.This makes Gresini reunite with his old friend Alex Marquez.
Meanwhile, it is suggested Morbidelli is set to leave VR46. And it could be without a MotoGP seat for next year.
Looking ahead, VR46 is expected to bring Fermin Aldeguer From Gresini, one more place that needs to be filled.
Which Italian rider should Valentino Rossi sign for VR46 in 2027?
Valentino Rossi urged to ‘do it’ on potential ‘power’ rider for VR46
So far, the likes of Luca Marini, Niccolò Bulega and Celestino Vitetti have all been linked with a move to the VR46.
Speaking during Moto2 practice on TNT Sports Live, former MotoGP rider Laverty was asked who he would pick. I can’t help itIf he was in charge, his teammate VR46.
Laverty He was asked: “Then go, Michael, I put you in the shoes of Valentino Rossi, you have to choose a rider, you know that Fermin Aldegar is coming to your team, that’s positive, you can choose another. Between Celestino Vitti and Niccolò Bulega.”
In response, the Northern Irishman said he would ‘do it’ on the Bulega and said the 26-year-old could be a ‘force’ on the 850cc bikes.
Laverty said: “I’m going with Nicolo Bulega, I know Celestino is tough on the VTT, but I think Bulega and Celestino, similar in their careers up to this point, have finished in different championships.”
“Bulega has been looking at how that Panigale World Superbike runs on Pirelli tires, which he filled with Michelin last year, and is getting used to it.
“On the 850 I think he will be a force for the whole season with the Pirelli rubber, so I think I will take a point on Niccolò.”
Did VR46 make the right decision to sign Fermin Aldegra over Pedro Acosta?
Read more: Valentino Rossi fears ‘Dragon’ MotoGP rider who battled injury at Catalan Grand Prix
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s WorldSBK round of Aragon, Bulega was asked about his future.
as a Crash” We are still talking, I think my manager will be in Mugello this weekend, so hopefully I will have more news from Mugello after this weekend.
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