Valentino Rossi makes decision on VR46 Ducati future

It appears that the Pertamina Enduro VR46 team will remain with their current factory suppliers Ducati until 2029 despite conversations with Aprilia which threatened to reshape the entire MotoGP grid.

While Ducati and Aprilia are undoubtedly the two strongest teams in the sport right now, the new regulation changes set to take effect in 2027 could change things dramatically.

It appears that Rossi is choosing the safe option by sticking to what he knows with the Ducati team, extending the partnership which has been in place since 2022.

In an interview with Motorsport.com following the conclusion of the Thai Grand Prix in Buriram, team principal Uccio Salucci confirmed that talks had taken place with Aprilia over the winter break:

"We spoke a little with Aprilia , because Aprilia wanted to talk to us, and we are gentlemen." He said, "I’ve known Massimo Rivola for many years. When Valentino Rossi tested the Ferrari Formula 1 car in 2004, he handled that situation. He’s a great manager. We’ve spoken a few times, two or three, but I never thought about leaving Ducati."

It would therefore seem that, despite their fellow Italian connection, VR46's loyalties still lie very much with the 'Bologna Bullets'. Nonetheless, a deal has yet to be finalized and confirmed just yet.

"We are very close to signing. There are just a few minor details left . I think there could be an announcement next month,” said Uccio,“We are very close to signing with Ducati again."

According to Spanish outlet AS, Fermin Aldeguer has been identified as the key target for the VR46 team, and it is rumoured that the deal has already been confirmed.

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