MotoGP News: VR46 Teams Confirms Interest in Rider for Next 2025 Season - 'I Love Him So Much!'

Alex Harrington | Jul 20, 2024

Apr 14, 2024; Austin, TX, USA; Marco Bezzecchi (72) of Italy and Pertamina Enduro VR46 rides during the MotoGP Grand Prix of The Americas at Circuit of The Americas. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The MotoGP landscape could change after the VR46 team expressed a keen interest in signing Franco Morbidelli for the 2025 racing season. The team's manager, Uccio Salucci, has conveyed his admiration and eagerness to bring Morbidelli on board in a revealing interview with Motorsport.

"I would love to! I love him so much, so I would love to work with him and I have been saying this for a long time," Salucci remarked.

He cautions that while the intent is clear, the final decision is pending and depends on numerous factors, stating, “Maybe next year could be the one where it becomes a reality."

In parallel, the MotoGP grid is witnessing a flurry of team and rider changes. Pramac's transition from a Ducatie team to a Yamaha satellite entity could significantly alter team compositions. VR46, under the leadership of Motorsport legend Valentino Rossi, is assessing its options carefully, especially after key riders Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini have committed to Aprilia and Repsol Honda, respectively. Salucci hinted at the possibility of filling one of these vacant spots with Academy talent:

“Yes, we would give a chance to another guy from the Academy, but it is still a long way off because there are so many things to fit together. I would love to, but let's wait a few more weeks.”

As teams strategize, Ducati remains influential, with its decision to equip VR46 with an upgraded GP25 bike next season. This presents an interesting dynamic, as Fabio di Giannantonio is set to remain with VR46 on this advanced model. This leaves potential room for Morbidelli, who is likely transitioning out from Pramac and Yamaha, to join with a GP24 bike, aligning with his current setup and maintaining competitiveness in the field.

Morbidelli's past season has been marred by challenges, notably an injury during a pre-season test which slowed his initial adaptation to the Ducati bike. However, his resilience shone through with a P5 finish at the recent German GP. This background makes him a strong candidate for VR46, especially considering his roots in the VR46 Academy, aligning with the team's commitment to nurturing its own talent.