Marco Bezzecchi
MotoGP’s VR46 outfit are well-positioned to be the second-fastest team in 2025 after enjoying a terrific start to the campaign on their Ducati bikes.
The Italian team have two experienced MotoGP riders at the helm, which is helping them to be more consistent than their satellite rivals Gresini.
Franco Morbidelli ended a four-year podium drought at the second race of the year in Argentina, while Fabio Di Giannantonio has performed well after his comeback from a pre-season collarbone injury.
Overall, VR46 are close to the factory Ducati bikes, but not quite enough to challenge for victories. They should get a chance somewhere across the remaining 19 races this season to reach the top step.
Valentino Rossi has taught Di Giannantonio a lot at VR46, but his aspirations for the team are for them to be profitable.
Rossi views the VR46 team as a business, and it’s a mere bonus if they are able to compete and challenge for victories.
READ MORE: VR46 have a cheque in hand to sign MotoGP rider Valentino Rossi considers the ‘anti-Marc Marquez’
Fabio Di Giannantonio and Francesco Bagnaia agree about Valentino Rossi’s Qatar appearance
Valentino Rossi will be making an appearance at the Qatar Grand Prix as his current four-wheel racing schedule permits him to make visits only on certain weekends.
It’s a move which has Di Giannantonio excited, and he told GPOne that it should give his entire team a lift for the event.
“I would be super happy, because when Vale is there the whole team is even more pumped. You can feel his energy a lot when he’s there,” he said.
“Having him in the pit box, being able to have a word with him in person is not the same thing as hearing from each other via text message. His presence, besides making me proud, can give you that extra something.”
Ducati rival and fellow countryman Francesco Bagnaia agrees, believing that communicating with the MotoGP legend in person is far easier than over text.
“When Vale comes it’s always a pleasure, it’s always better to have him close and present rather than texting each other,” he told GPOne.
READ MORE: VR46 MotoGP boss says he stopped Fabio Di Giannantonio doing one thing after testing crash
Francesco Bagnaia faced one key challenge before breakthrough Grand Prix of the Americas win
After a challenging start to the season, Bagnaia took new ‘advice’ from Rossi on how to close the gap to Marc Marquez.
He made some progress but wasn’t quite able to match his teammate’s pace. It’s acceptable given that it is one of the Spaniard’s strongest tracks.
However, Bagnaia faced one key challenge at the Grand Prix of the Americas as he fought to get over the psychological effects of a slow start to 2025.
The Italian rider had to build some confidence and that’s exactly what he did. He showed signs of returning to his best form in the Lone Star state.
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