Valentino Rossi has identified the 2026 MotoGPseason as a transitional period, given the current freeze on engine designs for most manufacturers and the growing focus on next-generation 850cc engines. As teams shift attention toward the future, Rossi anticipates the season will reflect these changes while offering an opportunity for riders to reset and improve.
Challenges Faced by Former Champions Bagnaia and Martin in 2025
Both Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin, previous world champions, faced difficult campaigns in 2025 under very different circumstances. Bagnaia encountered problems adapting to Ducati’s new GP25 bike and was pressured heavily by the Marquez brothers, eventually falling behind competitors such as Marco Bezzecchi from Aprilia and Pedro Acosta of KTM in the championship rankings. Meanwhile, Martin’s debut season with Aprilia was severely limited, as injuries restricted him to participating in only eight events.
Insights from Rossi on Technical Stagnation and Rider Potential
Speaking with Sky Italia, Rossi emphasized that from a technical viewpoint, the 2026 season shows minimal changes, with manufacturers already preparing for 2027. He noted,
“From a technical standpoint, little has changed. This is a transition season; all the manufacturers are already looking ahead to 2027 and are already working on new bikes,”
highlighting the forward-looking focus within the paddock.
While bikes remain similar to last year’s models, Rossi believes each season tells a unique story and expressed optimism for riders who underperformed in 2025. He remarked,
“We hope they’re all at their best and that Franco and Diggia can also make another step forward and be stronger. Then we’ll see.”
Expectations for VR46 Team’s Consistency and Growth
Rossi’s VR46 stable, including Franco Morbidelli and Fabio di Giannantonio, is aiming to overcome a two-year drought without a MotoGP victory by improving consistency. Rossi described the high level of competition, adding,
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“The level is very high and, above all, in MotoGP everyone is strong and all the bikes are strong.”
He elaborated on the unpredictable nature of the races, saying performance can vary dramatically from one track to another:
“The problem is that on one track the bikes are good, they perform well and can fight for the podium. Then the following week everything is the same but nothing works anymore and we have to try to get the weekend back on track.
Since everyone is so fast and so close, it takes just a moment to go from fighting for the podium to finishing tenth. That will be the key. We also have to grow as a team and try to arrive at the various tracks always ready to be fast.”
Performance of VR46 Riders in Last Season’s Championship
Morbidelli and di Giannantonio concluded the previous season just behind Bagnaia, finishing sixth and seventh respectively in the 2025 world championship standings. Their progress remains integral to Rossi’s ambitions for the upcoming transitional year.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 MotoGP Pre-Season Testing
The 2026 pre-season testing is scheduled to commence on February 3 at Sepang, Malaysia, marking the first practical steps for teams and riders as they seek to adapt and prepare for the new challenges of the MotoGP 2026 transition season.
