Official: Franco Morbidelli Joins VR46 Ducati for MotoGP 2025

Franco Morbidelli has become the latest MotoGP rider to secure his future after switching from Pramac Ducati - soon-to-be Pramac Yamaha - to VR46 where he will ride alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio. Morbidelli, who is currently aboard a GP24 bike, will remain on the 24 Desmosedici package next season, while Di Giannantonio will get the upgraded GP25.

Morbidelli, who was a part of the Yamaha family before joining Pramac in 2024, was unlikely to remain with the team once it was confirmed they would be switching to M1 machinery. And as a result, Morbidelli has found a spot at Valentino Rossi’s team, a move which seemed obvious given his ties to the nine-time world champion’s academy.

Speaking about his new deal, an elated Morbidelli added: “What a beautiful story! I am very happy to announce that I have signed with the VR46 Racing Team for the 2025 season.

"I will definitely feel at home here, I really want to do well and repay, with good results, this trust both for myself and for all the crew. I want to go back in the years and rejoice again with the whole group.

"A heartfelt thanks to the entire VR46 Riders Academy and to my management. Vale, Carlo, Uccio, Albi and Gianluca. Friends, but also key figures in the VR46 reality. I can't wait to start this new adventure together.”

Prior to Pramac’s decision to swap Ducati for Yamaha, Moto2 star Fermin Aldeguer had been linked with the second VR46 seat. But the Spaniard is now expected to slot in at Gresini alongside Alex Marquez.

After Morbidelli’s new deal, one seat officially remains open at Gresini (Aldeguer will sign for the team), two at Pramac Yamaha (Miguel Oliveira and Jack Miller expected), while the second LCR Honda seat next to Johann Zarco is yet to be confirmed (Takaaki Nakagami is the favourite).

"I am really happy to be able to confirm that Franco will race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team in 2025m" said team director Alessio Salucci.

"Franco was the first rider to enter the VR46 Riders Academy, we have known him since years, we have seen him grow in Tavullia and today, with great satisfaction, we can say that he will join the crew starting from the next season.

"He is a rider of great talent, we can't wait to welcome him and let him enjoy the family and home atmosphere that distinguishes us. He will continue to race with a Ducati, a Desmosedici GP24, and we are sure he will be able to fight with the group of the strongest guys.” 

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