Valentino Rossi must choose between taking his VR46 team to Yamaha or retaining its partnership deal with Ducati.
Rossi’s legend was cemented at Yamaha, so he will always have a special connection to the Japanese bike maker, but he has seen his team experience a historic MotoGP season under Ducati’s power.
Despite the fact that the Mooney VR46 team’s contract with Ducati expires in 2024, negotiations are already underway to determine their long-term plans.
“I think Valentino’s team is quite happy with us,” Gigi Dall’Igna told Speedweek. “I don’t see any reason at the moment why they should change.
“Of course, an important link exists between Rossi and Yamaha. For sure Yamaha wants to keep Valentino’s MotoGP team.
“But our relationship with the VR46 team is excellent. Rider and team are really happy with our partnership.”
Rossi announced earlier this season that a new brand ambassadorial position with Yamaha solidified his already close relationship with the manufacturer that powered his glory years.
Yamaha will eventually seek to bring back a satellite team to the grid. However, this season, VR46’s Marco Bezzecchi and Luca Marini have excelled on Desmosedici bikes.
Additionally, Bezzecchi’s new Ducati deal, which calls for him to remain with VR46 through 2024, might be viewed as evidence that Rossi and the Italian manufacturer are capable of collaborating on profitable financial ventures.
