Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team disagrees with Ducati’s decision to reduce the number of factory MotoGP bikes to just three next season. Team boss Alessio ‘Uccio’ Salucci expressed disappointment that VR46 will receive only one of Ducati’s latest GP25 bikes for 2025, while Pramac had been allocated two of these bikes in recent seasons.
Initially, VR46 had hoped to inherit the GP25 bikes originally designated for Pramac after their move to Yamaha. However, Ducati revised its MotoGP program to cut costs, reducing its total bikes from eight in 2024 to six in 2025, with only half being the latest specification—two for the factory team and one for VR46.
This decision contrasts with manufacturers like KTM and Yamaha, committing to provide four identical bikes across their teams, and possibly Aprilia and Honda. Salucci highlighted VR46’s satisfaction in becoming Ducati’s primary satellite team after Pramac’s departure but voiced concerns about having one rider on a year-old GP24 in 2025.
“We have an excellent team and incredible people. We’re not a factory team because we don’t build bikes, but when riders come, they find a fantastic setup,” Salucci told the media. He acknowledged Ducati’s recognition of VR46’s management but expressed disagreement with the allocation of only one GP25, wishing for two as in previous seasons.
“Unfortunately, Ducati decides. We’ll work with what we have. Other manufacturers have four bikes organized while we have three. This makes us unique with two red bikes and one of ours,” Salucci added.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Fabio di Giannantonio extended his contract with Ducati until the end of 2026, ensuring he rides a GP25 in 2025 after using older machinery in MotoGP. The identity of his teammate is uncertain, with Franco Morbidelli from Pramac being a potential candidate due to his ties with VR46 and Rossi.
Salucci expressed enthusiasm about possibly signing Morbidelli, stating, “I’d love to work with him. Maybe next year could be the year. We’d also consider another Academy member, but it’s early. I’d love to, but let’s wait a bit longer.”
If Morbidelli joins VR46 in 2025, he will ride the same GP24 he currently uses at Pramac.
