Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi could be looking to move his VR46 MotoGP team away from Ducati in 2027 as their contract expires at the end of next year.
VR46 were the second in command at the Borgo Panigale outfit in 2025. After Pramac left for Yamaha, the team were promoted and handed their factory slot, which was given to Fabio Di Giannantonio.
Despite having the GP25 within their arsenal, the team finished third among the Ducati teams, with Gresini finishing second. Alex Marquez and Fermin Aldeguer claimed victories, while VR46 went winless and scored six podiums compared to Gresini’s 14.
You are Luigi Dall’Igna. Pick your SIX Ducati riders for the 2027 MotoGP season 👇
Subsequently, Marquez will ride a factory bike in 2026 as Gresini take a step up over VR46. Di Giannantonio will keep his factory machine, but Rossi is said to be displeased with his team’s situation at Ducati.
With satellite teams’ contracts expiring ahead of the 2027 season and rule changes, the seven-time MotoGP champion is rumoured to be in talks with multiple manufacturers.
Valentino Rossi is in ‘never-ending discussions’ to take VR46 to Yamaha
VR46 have been linked with Aprilia for 2027, amid rumours that current satellite team Trackhouse is looking to join Honda.
However, Aprilia CEO Massimo Rivola says Trackhouse is the ‘priority’ and the Noale outfit plan to keep the team on board as MotoGP enter a new regulation cycle.
Where should Valentino Rossi take his VR46 team in 2027?
Aprilia are unlikely to have the resources to bring in a second satellite team, which would explain a recent report from MOW that Rossi may be looking elsewhere on the grid.
According to the report, Rossi and Uccio Salucci are in ‘never-ending discussions’ for a ‘grand return’ to Yamaha. The Iwata outfit are ‘dreaming big’ for 2027 in terms of riders and teams, and could make a move that sees MotoGP’s biggest name return to the brand.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Valentino Rossi’s VR46 from current riders to bike
Valentino Rossi was seen on Yamaha’s V4 bike during the 2025 season
A reunion between the two parties would be seismic for MotoGP. Rossi is Yamaha’s greatest rider of all time, winning four of his seven titles with the manufacturer and establishing himself as the sport’s greatest icon.
The Doctor spent 16 seasons with Yamaha during his incredible career, and their relationship is still strong to this day. Rossi was seen on their V4 bike at Misano in 2025 when it was first used as a wildcard entry by Augusto Fernandez.
MotoGP fans begged Yamaha to give Rossi a wildcard ride at the time. The V4 will be used by all four of the Iwata outfit’s riders in 2026.
While the Italian’s MotoGP days are long behind him, his team could use the V4 machines come 2027, if VR46 can strike a deal to leave Ducati for Yamaha.
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