Franco Morbidelli has officially signed with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team for the 2025 MotoGP season, marking a significant milestone in his career.
This announcement comes after much speculation over Morbidelli’s future, as he becomes the first rider from the VR46 Academy to join the ranks of Valentino Rossi’s team with the move serving also as a homecoming for the Italian, who has long been associated with the racing legend.
The 29-year old has established himself as a prominent figure in the MotoGP arena. His journey began in the lower tiers of motorcycle racing, where he showcased exceptional talent winning the European Superstock 600 Championship in 2013 and the Moto2 World Championship in 2017, which paved his way to the premier class of motorcycle racing.
Morbidelli made his MotoGP debut in 2018 with the Marc VDS team, riding a Honda before moving the following year to Yamaha’s former satellite team (SRT), where his breakthrough came in 2020 when he finished as the runner-up in the MotoGP World Championship, securing three victories and six podiums that season.
However, his recent years have been marked by challenges, particularly after switching to factory Yamaha in 2021 and later Ducati’s Pramac team in 2024, where he faced difficulties in performance and injuries.
His start to the season was marred by a major setback after missing out on pre-season testing following a head injury on a Superbike at Portimao in January. So far he has a best finish of fourth (Sprint) and fifth (Grand Prix) on a Desmosedici and is 12th in the world championship.
With all the setbacks along with the recent announcement that Pramac will ditch Ducati and join Yamaha next year as a customer team, Morbidelli needed a new home. The confirmation of his signing was made by Alessio Salucci, the Team Director of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team.
“I am really happy to be able to confirm that Franco will race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025,” Salucci said.
“Franco was the first rider to enter the VR46 Riders Academy, we have known him for years, we have seen him grow in Tavullia and today, with great satisfaction, we can say that he will join the crew starting from the next season.
“He is a rider of great talent, we can’t wait to welcome him and let him enjoy the family and home atmosphere that distinguishes us. He will continue to race with a Ducati, a Desmosedici GP24, and we are sure he will be able to fight with the group of the strongest guys.
“Once again, I can only thank Ducati for the support both in human and technical terms and all our partners, Pertamina Lubricants among all, who support this incredible project.”
Morbidelli’s connection to the VR46 Academy is profound. He was the first rider to join the academy, which was founded by Valentino Rossi, and has maintained a close relationship with the team and its members over the years.
His move to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team represents a return to his roots, as he will now compete under the banner of the team that embodies the spirit of Rossi’s legacy in MotoGP.
“What a beautiful story!,” said Morbidelli. “I am very happy to announce that I have signed with the VR46 Racing Team for the 2025 season.
“I will definitely feel at home here, I really want to do well and repay, with good results, this trust both for myself and for all the crew.
“A heartfelt thanks to the entire VR46 Riders Academy and to my management. Vale, Carlo, Uccio, Albi and Gianluca. Friends, but also key figures in the VR46 reality. I can’t wait to start this new adventure together.”
Morbidelli will replace three-time grand prix winner Marco Bezzecchi, who will be paired with points leader Jorge Martin at Aprilia for 2025 MotoGP.
However, he will stick with the GP24 bike that he currently rides at Pramac with his future teammate Fabio di Giannantonio running the factory GP25 bike after he secured a factory deal with Ducati.
