Valentino Rossi’s team will debut next season in MotoGP. Only official status was missing, which arrived on time: the team signed an agreement with Ducati to use the bikes from Borgo Panigale over the next 3 years and with Dorna, organizer of the world championship, to race in the premier class from 2022 for 5 seasons. The Aramco Racing Team VR46 (this is the official name) was born thanks to the collaboration with Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media, the joint venture with Saudi Aramco, a company of the Saudi royal family. The team will be managed by Pablo Nieto, former team manager for VR46 in Moto2 and Moto3. The names of the two riders have not been communicated, but one Ducati will certainly go to Luca Marini, while the second could be destined for Marco Bezzecchi. However, there is also the possibility that Valentino may decide to race one more year and do it in his team. In recent weeks, the person concerned has defined this option as not impossible but “Very difficult”.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, however, expressed this desire: “It would be fantastic for me that Valentino Rossi can compete in the coming years as a driver of our Aramco Racing Team VR46 together with his brother Luca Marini” his words, which they open a glimpse into this very fascinating possibility. The Doctor said he will decide his future in July: first of all he will have to figure out if he wants to continue racing and, if so, where. He could continue with Yamaha in the current Petronas team, or spend a season alongside his brother, returning to the Ducati he left at the end of 2012 after two difficult years.
However it goes, Valentino’s name will remain in MotoGP for many more years. The agreement is also very positive for Ducati, which will thus be able to count on the Riders Academy, Rossi’s structure which aims to find and nurture young talents. “We will strive to provide maximum technical support to their new team in MotoGP, convinced that we have found in VR46 an ambitious and motivated partner like us, with the common goal of obtaining great results together” commented Luigi Dall’Igna, Director General of Ducati Corse.