Valentino Rossi revealed a remarkable new livery for the VR46 Ducati riders Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio ahead of Sunday’s Italian Grand Prix at Mugello. The special design, featuring purple and light blue shades, celebrates Italian culture while adding a unique flair to the home race, highlighting the Franco Morbidelli special Italian MotoGP livery.
Design Inspired by Italian Music and Friendship
The livery’s colors draw inspiration from the latest album by Italian singer Cesare Cremonini, who shares a close friendship with Rossi and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Rossi reflected on their relationship, saying,
“20 years ago, we met after a concert and from that moment we became closer and closer friends.”
Rossi explained that the collaboration brought together two passions:
“He’s a rockstar, one of the most important singers in Italy, so we wanted to do something together. Music and MotoGP are pure emotion; they excite millions.”
Working alongside team designer Aldo Drudi, they crafted a design incorporating Cremonini’s album graphics, a process Rossi described as challenging but rewarding:
“However, we made a great work with Aldo and, for me, the bike is beautiful.”
Cremonini Shares the Meaning Behind the Livery
Cesare Cremonini revealed that the livery’s color palette was inspired by the Northern Lights, symbolizing a blend of music and motorsport passions. He described the project as
“a hug between friends who share the same passion,”
emphasizing the special connection behind this unique collaboration.
He expressed excitement for seeing the livery displayed both off and on the track:
“I can’t wait to see it on my stage, displayed like a trophy at the Renato Dall’Ara stadium, but especially on the grid on the track on Sunday at Mugello.”
Riders Embrace the Special Livery and Its Significance
Franco Morbidelli, starting the weekend in fourth place in the world championship on his GP24 bike, acknowledged the significance of wearing this special livery:
“Valentino and the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team give us the chance to have this livery, then it’s our turn, as riders, to try to do a great job to take these wonderful colours where they deserve to stay, as high as possible.”
Fabio di Giannantonio, riding the factory-spec GP25, expressed pride and motivation from the vibrant design:
“The goal is to fight for the podium and to have fun, it would be great to be able to celebrate with these colours.”
Both riders have each appeared once on the GP podium this season—Morbidelli in Argentina and di Giannantonio in COTA—with Morbidelli also moving up to third due to a penalty for Maverick Vinales in Qatar.
Valentino Rossi’s Legacy at Mugello and Its Emotional Appeal
Rossi has long been a hero to Italian fans at Mugello, winning the race seven years consecutively from 2002 to 2008. He described Mugello as the most special event in the season:
“Mugello has always been the most special race of the year because it’s the Italian GP and one of the most beautiful tracks in the world.”
His winning streak was finally broken in 2009 by Casey Stoner, who gave Ducati their first Mugello victory.
The Road Ahead for VR46 and Its Riders
With this remarkable tribute combining Italy’s cultural passions of music and motorsport, the Franco Morbidelli special Italian MotoGP livery stands as a symbol of artistic and sporting excellence. It elevates the importance of the Mugello race for both the riders and their fans, inspiring ambition and pride as the VR46 Ducati team prepares to compete on their home turf. Morbidelli and di Giannantonio now look to translate this special visual statement into success on the track, maintaining strong championship positions and aiming for podium celebrations amid the fervor of their home crowd.
