Ducati drop major clue about Valentino Rossi’s VR46 team’s future

A deal to extend the partnership between Ducati and VR46 appears imminent.

Ducati bosses have now confirmed that VR46 have told them about their intention to stay put.

Valentino Rossi’s MotoGP team’s current deal as a satellite team for Ducati expires at the end of this season, but they retain a clause which allows them to extend their alliance until the end of 2026.

Yamaha (who are obviously closely linked to Rossi) and KTM (who keenly want to expand their presence in MotoGP) have been in talks to take VR46 over.

But Davide Tardozzi, the factory team manager, has said: “It’s something in discussion.

“VR46 told us that they would like to close with us, quite soon.

“So honestly it’s in the hands of Gigi, and Valentino Rossi’s people.

“It’s something we would like to continue for another two years.”

Ducati Corse general manager Gigi Dall’Igna added: “We are working, also, on that.

“It will not be easy, for sure.

“Because some manufacturers are interested in this team.

“But we are working and we will see what happens.”

VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto previously said: “We are happy, now, with Ducati. This is clear.

“But, also, it’s true that the other manufacturers are looking for us.

“This is good for us because it means we are doing a very good job.

“But at the moment? Our idea is to continue with Ducati.”

Uccio Salucci had said: “My direction is to continue with Ducati.

“My dream is to sign the contract before Qatar because I want to stay quiet, I want to prepare this year very good.”

VR46 won their first MotoGP race in Argentina last year thanks to Marco Bezzecchi.

Bezzecchi enjoyed a breakout year and challenged for the title before falling away in the final rounds when he was injured.

This year, Rossi’s brother Luca Marini has left for Repsol Honda.

Fabio di Giannantonio, who produced stunning late-season form for Gresini Ducati last year, replaces Marini.

VR46 will run a pair of GP23s this year.