Marco Bezzecchi
Valentino Rossi’s VR46 MotoGP project has run its course and the time has come for the legendary rider to sell up.
Plans for 2027 and beyond are already in place. VR46 will extend their partnership with Ducati, and Fermin Aldeguer, who’s contracted directly to the Borgo Panigale manufacturer, will move across from Gresini.
On the other side of the garage, Franco Morbidelli is set to leave, with Fabio Di Giannantonio (another Ducati-backed rider) tipped to sign an extension and partner Aldeguer after his excellent start to the season.
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Valentino Rossi won’t have any academy riders in his 2027 line-up
Neither move has been confirmed, but the Aldeguer/Di Giannantonio combination looks increasingly likely. That will be a milestone moment for VR46 – the first time neither rider has come from the academy.
Previous riders like Luca Marini, Marco Bezzecchi and Morbidelli have all been products of the Rossi system.
- READ MORE: What is the VR46 Riders Academy? Everything to know about Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP talent programme
Former academy member Nicolo Bulega has been linked with VR46, but it seems he may have to look outside the Ducati stable if he wants a spot on the 2027 MotoGP grid.
Celestino Vietti is a promising VR46 talent, currently fourth in Moto2, but he isn’t seen as a serious contender for a 2027 seat. Matteo Gabarrini and Lorenzo Pritelli are still several years away from being viable candidates.
Why Valentino Rossi should now sell his MotoGP team
One journalist already suggested earlier this year that Rossi’s VR46 project was ‘done’. The absence of any academy riders from his projected 2027 line-up only fuels that sense of finality.
Francesco Bagnaia is a MotoGP champion and Marco Bezzecchi may join him this year, another crowning achievement for Rossi.
As he continues to attend only a handful of races, Rossi is open to selling VR46 if the right offer arrives.
Interest from potential investors is high following Liberty Media’s takeover, and the Italian should try to capitalise. The ongoing tie-up with Ducati, MotoGP’s benchmark manufacturer, makes VR46 even more attractive.
Yes, the value of the teams could increase if Liberty’s plans are successful, but there are no guarantees that the Formula 1 story will be repeated.
A sale at this stage would be more lucrative than ever before, and this is a fitting moment. Rossi has already realised his long-term vision for the VR46 Academy, and it’s difficult to see what more he can realistically achieve with his satellite team.
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