'Good vibes' as VR46 team completes MotoGP debut at Jerez

After running Luca Marini within the Avintia structure this season, VR46 made its debut as an official MotoGP team at the Jerez test.

Marini and rookie team-mate Marco Bezzecchi were both using Ducati's 2021 spec Desmosedici for the final outing of the year. Bezzecchi will remain on the machine for 2022, while Marini will be upgraded to the new GP22.

The pair were running a black testing livery, with Aramco absent as title sponsor in the recent provisional entry list. 

Marini set the twelfth fastest lap on the final day of testing, 1.1s from Factory Ducati leader Francesco Bagnaia.

"It was a positive testing session: compared to yesterday, the feeling has improved and I was able to better understand the differences between the new and the old bike," said Marini, who spent his rookie season on a GP19, the highlight of which was a front row start at Misano.

"We did some tests on the electronics and I was fine. With the strong wind today it was difficult for everyone, it was important stay on the track but not take risks.

"I am satisfied. I feel good with the new team, we are gaining experience and we are positive. Let's now rest for a few weeks and get back ready to start the 2022."

Bezzecchi finished his first MotoGP test 2.440s from Bagnaia, 0.8s from fastest rookie Fabio di Giannantonio (Gresini Ducati) and 0.6s ahead of fellow newcomer Darryn Binder (RNF Yamaha).

"It was very nice. Also today we made a big step forward. So it was a nice two days on the bike," said Bezzecchi, who improved by 1.5s over the two days. "Of course the learning process is very long, but I took these two days with a lot of calm just to adapt my riding a little bit to the bike, adapt to the position.

"And I can't complain about today. I had a good feeling overall every time I went on track. I was not impressively fast but the important thing is that I took some confidence with the bike. Also I started to use the rear device on the straights, some practice starts also. So it was nice. I can't wait to get back on track at Sepang."

Team manager Pablo Nieto said: "A first special testing session for the riders and the guys: the MotoGP debut of the new team and of Marco. Lots of emotions and good vibes in the garage.

"With Marco, we start from scratch: the Ducati MotoGP bike, the team, there are many new faces, but also several technicians that we have brought from Moto2. We return home satisfied and ready to continue the work in Tavullia to better face the Sepang test next February."

As a rookie, Bezzecchi will be on track at both the Shakedown and Official tests at Sepang, with Marini returning at the Official test.

As well as the MotoGP project, VR46 will run two teams in Moto2 next season.