Valentino Rossi and VR46 are considering extending their partnership with Ducati beyond the 2026 season. They have competed with Desmosedici bikes since the team made their MotoGP debut in 2022.
Rumors came out in the summer Rossi was negotiating with Aprilia.They are the biggest threat to Ducati’s dominance.
Speaking at the launch of their 2026 bike last week, Uchio Salucci said. VR46 values their relationship with Ducati. Very high. But he did not deny that initial discussions were held to switch to Aprilia.
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Ducati lost Pramac to Yamaha at the end of the 2024 season VR46 Step into the role of second-in-command. Aprilia already supplies bikes to Trackhouse, so it’s unclear if they’re looking to expand or reorganize.
Valentino Rossi and Massimo Rivola have a close relationship since their Ferrari F1 days.
Speaking The competition Podcast, journalist Simon Patterson relayed another vision from Salucci at the Ducati launch. Rossi apparently has a ‘very friendly’ relationship with the Aprilia boss. Massimo Rivolawho oversaw the F1 testing program.
Rossi Between 2006 and 2010, he tested for the Italian giants on several occasions and considered a move from MotoGP to F1.
Surprisingly, the VR46 Academy was graduated Francesco Bagnaia meets Aprilia.. He will probably compete for the Rossi team in 2027 aboard the RS-GP.
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“(Salucci) let slip something that I’ve never dealt with before,” Patterson said. There were whispers doing the rounds about the VR46-Aprilia for 27 for a while. Now Peco is talking. Aprilia Rumor.
“When Valentino Rossi did his Ferrari F1 test, it was all organized by Massimo Rivola. This relationship has become very friendly again. According to Uccio, there have been discussions that are very weak at the moment.”
A clear sign that Valentino Rossi takes the VR46 role more seriously
VR46 can also be connected to Yamaha. In the year In 2027, Rossi joins the team with which he has won four world championships.
Looking to the future, Rossi wants the team to win again This year. While the other Ducati satellite team, Gresini took seven victories, including the sprints, the VR46 missed out.
Rossi continues the race This year itself, this time instead of the World Endurance Championship in GT cars.
The commitment to VR46 has been questioned at times, but 2025 is at least available for this year’s launch.
