Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi’s VR46 MotoGP team could be in for wholesale changes when the new technical regulations take effect in 2027.
The Tavullia-based team became Ducati’s second-in-command in 2025 after Pramac left for Yamaha. Despite gaining a factory bike, VR46 went winless last year and finished below fellow satellite team Gresini, who claimed four wins.
With Alex Marquez now receiving a factory machine in 2026, VR46 team owner Rossi appears to be disgruntled over his team’s lack of success.
What do you think of VR46’s 2026 livery change?
Rossi wants to win races in 2026, putting the pressure on Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli. The former will keep his factory bike this season, while Morbidelli will ride the GP24 for a third season and ditch the troublesome GP25.
The pair are hoping to have a strong season at VR46. But it may seem that their futures have already been decided, regardless of what the Italians do in 2026.
Valentino Rossi has already decided to drop Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli
A report from Motorsport Espana has revealed details about the future dealings at VR46, including 2026 and 2027.
The report claims that ‘2026 will be the last year’ for both Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli. ‘Although no one has officially announced it’ yet, Rossi has decided to drop his riders for 2027 and recruit an all-new line-up.
You’re Valentino Rossi: Which two riders do you sign for VR46 in 2027?
Di Giannantonio has not won a MotoGP race since his maiden win with Gresini in 2023 and now faces losing his seat at VR46. Teammate Morbidelli is said to be entering his last season in the premier class, and his fate now seems confirmed.
As well as changing his riders, Rossi also faces the decision on whether to stay at Ducati. VR46 have been linked with Aprilia as the MotoGP legend weighs up taking his team to a new factory.
READ MORE: Everything to know about Valentino Rossi’s VR46 from current riders to bike
Who are Valentino Rossi’s options for 2027?
With Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli set to lose their seats at VR46, Rossi will be looking at several riders for his rider line-up in 2027.
Pedro Acosta has been heavily linked with VR46 as he looks to leave KTM at the end of 2026. But the Spaniard has also been linked with the factory Ducati team, meaning Rossi could be set to miss out on his number one target.
Francesco Bagnaia could also be an option if he loses his factory seat alongside Marc Marquez. However, Bagnaia could lose his ‘safety net’ at VR46 as Rossi will likely want him to commit to his team before the 2026 season starts.
Nicolo Bulega has been linked with VR46 as he targets a move to MotoGP from World Superbikes in 2027. The Italian made his debut with the factory Ducati team in 2025, replacing Marquez for the final two races.
Receive racing news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
