MotoGP, Sportrik Media - The VR46 Racing Team owned by Valentino Rossi has confirmed it held discussions with Aprilia regarding a possible partnership for the upcoming MotoGP 2027 regulation cycle. However, the team insists it remains close to extending its existing collaboration with Ducati.
VR46 Team Director Alessio Salucci revealed that the talks occurred after Aprilia expressed interest in exploring a potential future partnership with Rossi’s squad.
“We spoke a little with Aprilia because they wanted to talk with us, and we are good people,” Salucci told Motorsport.com.
VR46 has raced with Ducati machinery since joining the MotoGP premier class in 2021 alongside Luca Marini. The team’s position within the Ducati structure was strengthened in 2025 when it replaced Pramac Racing as the manufacturer-backed satellite operation.
Despite that upgrade, VR46 has not secured another grand prix victory since Marco Bezzecchi triumphed at the Indian Grand Prix in 2023. Meanwhile, fellow Ducati satellite team Gresini Racing enjoyed a stronger campaign last season, with Alex Marquez finishing the championship as runner-up.
Bezzecchi also played a key role in delivering Aprilia its most competitive MotoGP season to date, highlighting the growing competitiveness of the Italian manufacturer in recent years.
The connection between Rossi and Aprilia dates back to the start of the Italian legend’s grand prix career. Rossi made his world championship debut with Aprilia and won both the 125cc and 250cc titles with the manufacturer before moving to Honda for his premier-class debut in 2000.
Salucci also pointed to another historical link between Rossi and Aprilia through current Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola, who previously worked closely with Rossi during his Formula 1 test programme with Ferrari in 2004.
“When Valentino Rossi tested Formula 1 with Ferrari, Massimo Rivola was managing the situation in 2004.”
“I know Massimo; he’s a very good person and a very good manager. We speak sometimes, two or three times, but I never thought about leaving Ducati.”
Salucci confirmed that negotiations with Ducati over a contract extension are close to completion.
“There are still some small details. We are really close to signing again with Ducati.”
VR46’s current riders, Fabio Di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli, are both out of contract at the end of the 2026 season.
The team has previously expressed interest in signing Pedro Acosta from KTM, although the Spanish rider is widely linked with a potential promotion to the Ducati Lenovo factory squad.
Aprilia currently operates a satellite project through Trackhouse Racing, which secured victory at the Australian Grand Prix last season with Raul Fernandez.
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