The VR46 Racing Team has surprised the MotoGP community by refusing to take delivery of two advanced factory Ducati motorcycles planned for the 2026 season. This bold move was announced by team manager Pablo Nieto, who revealed that despite having the offer for both machines, VR46 chose to continue with their existing setup. The decision highlights VR46’s strategic approach amid significant changes in satellite team alignments and manufacturer partnerships.
Team’s Confidence in Current Machinery Drives Unconventional Choice
This development follows the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team’s official promotion to Ducati’s works-supported satellite outfit after Pramac’s switch to Yamaha at the end of 2024. Nieto disclosed that the team’s confidence is anchored in the strength of the 2025 Ducati bike, describing its performance as exceptional. Since the differences between the 2025 and 2026 Ducati models are expected to be minimal, VR46 opted to decline the new factory bikes, including the one originally planned for rider Franco Morbidelli, which will now be rerouted to Gresini Racing and Alex Marquez.
Detailed Explanation of the VR46 Strategy from Team Manager
Addressing the situation during MotoGP Practice at Motegi, Nieto explained,
“We will have exactly the same,”
further adding,
“We will have one factory bike for DiGiannantonio, and that’s the 2026 model, and a factory bike from 2025 for Franky. So, we’ll continue with the same plan.”
Nieto elaborated on their reasoning, stating,
“In the end, we think that the change between 2025 and 2026 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 2027. So, this is our personal opinion.”
Implications for VR46’s Competitiveness and the Broader MotoGP Landscape
VR46’s decision reveals a preference for stability and reliability by investing in proven technology rather than immediately adopting newer models with unproven advantages. This cautious approach could help the team maintain consistent performance as they monitor Ducati’s development path beyond 2026. Meanwhile, Gresini Racing’s acquisition of the factory-spec Ducati for Morbidelli’s successor signals a shift in the competitive dynamics.
The MotoGP arena will keenly observe how this move affects VR46’s season results, as the rivalry between teams equipped with new 2026 machines and those relying on trusted 2025 setups intensifies. This choice raises critical questions about the balance between embracing innovation and focusing on known strengths in one of motorsport’s most demanding environments.
With team strategies diverging amid evolving partnerships and technical progress, the 2026 MotoGP season promises to become a defining chapter for VR46, Ducati, and their competitors.
