VR46-Ducati: Uccio clarifies on the future of Valentino Rossi’s team

VR46-Ducati: Uccio clarifies on the future of Valentino Rossi’s team

VR46 team boss Alessio “Uccio” Salucci, Valentino Rossi’s right-hand man, spoke in an interview with Speedweek about the future of the team and Marco Bezzecchi: the rider from Rimini could move to Pramac next season.

“Bezzecchi’s future will be clarified by the Misano weekend. We have an option to confirm him, if everything goes as we hope, he will want to stay with us and there will be no surprises. In which case, we could make the official announcement of his renewal even earlier.”

“Are we worried about losing him? I always say that our goal is to see our riders promoted to a Factory Team, because it would mean we have done a great job. So if we were to lose him because he moves to a Factory Team, I would be happy for him. Our relationship is not only working, we are also friends, I have known him since he was 15 years old.”

No doubt about Valentino Rossi’s brother, Luca Marini: “My intention is to confirm him. But we have to discuss the details with the VR46 Academy, his management and himself. However, everything indicates that we can continue together.”

The other issue is the pairing with Ducati, which expires at the end of 2024. The Mooney VR46 team hopes to have an official Ducati next season: “This decision depends more on Borgo Panigale than on us. As far as we are concerned, the ideal would be to have maximum support for both riders. Clearly they are more interested in Marco right now. We will see what their choices will be.”

On the move to Yamaha: “Next year, for sure, no change. After that, for 2025, we will look around and choose the bike that best suits our project.”