The VR46 racing team has made a surprising announcement regarding the upcoming 2026 MotoGPseason, deciding against upgrading Franco Morbidelli’s bike to the latest Ducati model. This unexpected move was disclosed by VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto during a press conference at the Japanese Grand Prix. Despite having the option to field two factory Ducati motorcycles for 2026, VR46 will maintain Morbidelli’s current setup rather than provide him with the newest factory bike, a decision that has caught the MotoGP community’s attention.
Changes in Ducati’s Factory Bike Allocation Affect Satellite Teams
In the wake of Pramac’s switch from Ducati to Yamaha for the 2025 season, VR46 stepped up as Ducati’s factory-supported satellite team. However, Ducati has cut back its factory bike distribution for 2025 from four to three. As a result, Fabio Di Giannantonio at VR46 will receive factory support, but Morbidelli will continue with an older Ducati model. Ducati plans to increase their support again in 2026, introducing four factory machines—one of which will go to Alex Marquez of the Gresini team, who is currently performing strongly with two Grand Prix wins.
Reasoning Behind VR46’s Decision to Keep Morbidelli on the Older Ducati
Pablo Nieto explained that VR46 believes the performance gap between the existing GP25 bike and the forthcoming GP26 upgrade is minimal. He expressed confidence in the current bike’s capabilities, stating:
Image of: MotoGP
“We will have exactly the same [as this year],”
and added,
“We had the option to get the [2026] bike for Franco. We decided to not get it. That’s why Ducati gave the bike to Gresini.”
Nieto elaborated that the anticipated changes in the GP26 would be minor because it will share the same engine and overall design as the GP25, with Ducati’s significant developments expected to focus on the 2027 model instead:
“In the end, we think that the change between ’25 and ’26 is not going to be so big because you will have the same engine, almost the same bike. Of course, Ducati will prepare something for the future. But I think it will be more focused on ’27.”
This Decision’s Context Amid Engine Development Regulations and Team Dynamics
VR46’s choice comes during a period when manufacturers outside of band D in the MotoGP concessions system face restrictions on engine development, heightening the competitive stakes for factory and satellite teams alike. When asked about VR46’s move, Gresini’s Michele Masini chose not to comment directly, instead emphasizing the team’s focus on performance:
“This is not my job to reply to VR46. Maybe it’s better to speak to Ducati about that. I think that the Gresini team made amazing seasons. So, we are just focused on the work.”
Potential Impact on Morbidelli and Ducati’s Future in MotoGP
As the MotoGP season progresses, VR46’s decision not to upgrade Morbidelli’s Ducati could influence both the rider’s competitive potential and the broader performance dynamics within the Ducati contingent. With factory support channeled selectively, this gamble reflects VR46’s strategic calculation amid shifting team alliances and technical regulations. The outcome remains uncertain, but it will undoubtedly shape the upcoming battles on the racetrack and Ducati’s trajectory in future seasons.
