Pertamina VR46 Officially Launches 2026 MotoGP Livery

MotoGP, Sportrik Media - Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has officially unveiled its 2026 MotoGP livery during a team launch event in Rome, Italy, marking the formal beginning of its new campaign with a refreshed visual identity and elevated competitive status on the MotoGP grid.

The launch, held at Villa Miani, represents a significant moment for the team owned by Valentino Rossi. Branded under the “Black and Light” concept, the new colour scheme signals a clear evolution from the fluorescent yellow-and-white palette that has defined VR46’s MotoGP presence in recent seasons, reflecting a more assertive and mature visual direction.

The 2026 season carries major strategic importance for VR46 following its appointment as Ducati’s factory-supported satellite team, replacing Pramac in that role. This upgraded status ensures Fabio di Giannantonio receives full factory-spec Ducati Desmosedici machinery, placing him on equal technical footing with riders from the works Ducati Lenovo Team.

Di Giannantonio will once again be paired with Franco Morbidelli, who continues on a one-year-old Desmosedici specification. Last season, the duo helped VR46 finish behind Ducati Lenovo and Gresini Racing in the team standings, despite consistent front-running performances. Di Giannantonio ended the year sixth in the riders’ championship, narrowly ahead of Morbidelli, with a combined total of six grand prix podiums and seven Sprint podium finishes.

Despite those results, VR46 has yet to add to its MotoGP victory tally since Marco Bezzecchi claimed three wins for the team in 2023. With full factory backing now in place for 2026, expectations have risen that the team can realistically target race victories once again.

The new season also marks VR46’s third consecutive year with Indonesian state-owned energy company Pertamina as title sponsor, reinforcing both financial stability and global brand presence. The combination of a new livery, enhanced technical support, and rider continuity positions the team for a pivotal year in its MotoGP trajectory.

With the 2026 livery now officially revealed, VR46 becomes the second team to showcase its colours ahead of the new season, following Pramac Yamaha. Attention now turns to pre-season testing, where the effectiveness of VR46’s technical upgrade will be measured as the foundations of the 2026 MotoGP campaign begin to take shape.