Franco Morbidelli has secured his place at VR46 Ducati for the 2026 MotoGP season after agreeing to a contract extension. This continuation reflects his rejuvenated performance since joining the team earlier this year.
His association with the VR46 squad, led by his mentor and seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi, began when Ducati’s Pramac team transitioned to a satellite role. Morbidelli’s move has revitalized his career and positioned him competitively within the championship rankings.
Resurgence Marked by Podium Finishes and Consistent Performance
After a stretch of uneven results, Morbidelli’s switch to VR46 Ducati has yielded notable success, including podium finishes in Argentina and Qatar. With eight races remaining in the season, he holds a solid sixth place in the riders’ standings, ahead of teammate Fabio di Giannantonio by seven points.
Morbidelli experienced a setback when he broke his left collarbone during the sprint race at Sachsenring, forcing him to miss both the German and Czech Grands Prix. However, he made a strong return at the Austrian Grand Prix and recently clinched third place at the new Balaton Park Circuit.
Morbidelli Expresses Gratitude and Commitment to VR46 Team
Expressing his satisfaction with the renewed partnership, Morbidelli shared,
“My love for this team is very deep,”
—Franco Morbidelli, VR46 Racing Team. He highlighted the positive environment and close bonds he has developed within the team, emphasizing his eagerness to continue racing under the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team banner.
He further added,
“I hope to experience many more great days like the ones we’ve had this year, because we truly deserve it. We have almost a year and a half ahead of us to keep showing the great potential we have together.”
Morbidelli also acknowledged key figures around him, stating,
“I want to thank the whole team, with Vale, Uccio, and Pablo leading the way, the partners, the VR46 Riders Academy, and my people.”
—Franco Morbidelli, VR46 Racing Team.
2026 Line-Up Confirmed Amid Earlier Team Speculations
Earlier rumors suggested Pedro Acosta might join VR46 due to financial issues faced by KTM, but those speculations diminished after Bajaj Auto secured KTM’s future through a takeover. Morbidelli’s contract extension therefore became an expected confirmation.
With this renewal, VR46 Ducati’s roster for the 2026 season is now complete. Fabio di Giannantonio, Morbidelli’s teammate, had already committed to racing with the team through 2026 via a two-year agreement signed in August last year.
Currently, VR46 sits third in the teams’ standings, trailing only the factory Ducati team and Gresini Racing, another Ducati customer squad.
Team Director Highlights Morbidelli’s Integral Role in VR46’s Progress
Alessio Salucci, VR46’s team director, confirmed the renewal with enthusiasm, saying,
“We are happy to confirm Franco for the next season too.”
—Alessio Salucci, VR46 Team Director. He praised Morbidelli’s smooth integration and strong relationships within the team that have contributed to significant results.
Salucci also noted,
“Franco has been part of the VR46 Riders Academy since the very beginning and seeing him wear the colors of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has a special meaning for us, it feels like coming full circle.”
The team’s achievements this year include two podiums in main races and two podiums in sprint formats, showcasing their competitive ability. Salucci expressed optimism about continuing growth in the closing part of this season and into the next.
He added,
“His experience has been an added value and, together with the team’s expertise and Ducati’s support, we’re excited to continue this journey together in 2026 as well.”
—Alessio Salucci, VR46 Team Director.
Looking Ahead to 2026 with VR46 Ducati
Morbidelli’s contract extension with VR46 Ducati comes at a promising time in his career, following a clear turnaround in form and confidence. As the team secures a stable lineup and maintains strong manufacturer backing, expectations are high for further success on the MotoGP grid.
The partnership reflects a blend of experience, mentorship, and technical support, positioning Morbidelli and his squad for continued strong performances throughout the next season. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as VR46 Ducati builds on this momentum moving forward.
