Morbidelli Reunites With VR46
Cycle News Staff | August 20, 2024
Over the Austrian MotoGP weekend, it was confirmed that Valentino Rossi’s VR46 has recruited Pramac rider Franco Morbidelli to partner with Fabio di Giannantonio in a one-year deal for 2025. Morbidelli takes the place of Marco Bezzecchi, who joins Jorge Martin at Aprilia in 2025-26.
Franco Morbidelli joins Valentino Rossi’s VR46 squad for 2025. Photo: Gold & Goose
“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.
“I can’t wait to start this new adventure together.”
Morbidelli will remain on a Desmosedici GP24 that he currently rides at Pramac, while di Giannantonio will have the GP25 after he was enlisted for the factory ride earlier this month.
“I am really happy to be able to confirm that Franco will race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025,” said Alessio Salucci, Team Director of Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing. “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.”CN
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