Valentino Rossi answers if he’s ‘motivated’ to lead VR46 in 2027 amid future rumours

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The future of Valentino Rossi as a MotoGP team owner has been put into doubt ahead of the 2026 season.

VR46 have been on the grid since 2022 and have run Ducati bikes throughout their time in MotoGP. They head into their fifth season in 2026 after finishing third in the standings last year.

Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have been retained for the 2026 season, but the pressure is on to improve their results. Rossi wants VR46 to win a race this season and show more consistency.

The team unveiled their new-look livery for the 2026 season on Wednesday, trading the white of 2025 with a more ‘aggressive’ black to go with VR46’s trademark yellow colour. Rossi was in attendance at the presentation in Rome, and he was questioned on his outfit’s future.

Valentino Rossi says he is motivated to lead VR46 in 2027 amid rumours that he could sell the team

Questions have been raised about the MotoGP legend’s future as a team owner. Many believe that VR46 are an ‘afterthought’ for Rossi after he missed the team’s launch event in 2025.

Rumours have suggested that Rossi could sell VR46 in 2026 and that the team may not even exist anymore next year. However, speaking to the MotoGP cameras at the 2026 launch event in Rome, he seemed to dispel the speculation.

Asked if the 2027 rule changes give him motivation to lead his team into the new era, Rossi replied: “Yes, because, like you said, this year will be a particular season. Because you have to be concentrated on 2026 but you already have to have an eye on ‘27.

“At the moment, we are with Ducati, and sincerely, I think that, all the rules that will change, I think that Ducati will be ready and will be competitive. So, it will be a great challenge and we will see during the season.”

READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Valentino Rossi from stats to net worth

Could Valentino Rossi take VR46 away from Ducati in 2027?

While Rossi seems keen to stick with Ducati into the new regulations in 2027, some reports have suggested that the seven-time MotoGP champion could take VR46 to another manufacturer.

VR46 have been heavily linked with Aprilia for 2027. The Noale manufacturer are making strong progress in MotoGP, winning four races in 2025 and they are hoping to take the fight to Ducati in 2026.

Massimo Rivola says Aprilia want to keep Trackhouse as their satellite team and likely do not have the budget to add VR46 as a second outfit.

But there could be a backup plan if VR46 leave Ducati. Rossi is in talks with Yamaha, with the two parties having a legendary relationship from the Doctor’s time in MotoGP.