Valentino Rossi casually confirms VR46 Racing Ducati riders for 2022 MotoGP

Valentino Rossi has seemingly confirmed Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi will have the honour of competing with his VR46 Racing Ducati team in its inaugural 2022 MotoGP World Championship campaign.

The Italian outfit will graduate from the Moto2 World Championship to the premier class for the first time as one of three satellite Ducati outfits.

Though Rossi was linked with competing under his own moniker, he has decided to allow the team - borne out of the VR46 Racing Academy to develop young Italian talent - to focus on its primary goals by handing the seats to two of its leading lights.

While there has been no confirmation regarding the riders, it was always assumed Rossi’s brother Marini would be on one of the bikes, while the highly-rated Bezzecchi has scored several wins for VR46 in Moto2 over the past two seasons. 

"We have worked hard over the years because we knew that unfortunately sooner or later I would have to stop but we have done a good job. We have a lot of very strong academy riders. Next year there will be four in MotoGP. 

“Bagnaia and Morbidelli will be in the factory Ducati and Yamaha teams respectively, two of the best teams, so they will start with the clear objective of winning the world championship. Then we also have Luca and Bezzecchi with the Ducatis. 

“So Tavullia will remain an important hub in MotoGP with many riders, a team and many bikes. This has been our gift to my fans who have supported me for all these years."

VR46 Racing is the only team yet to confirm both of its riders for the 2022 MotoGP season with the delay seemingly down to confusion over whether a promised €18m investment from Saudi Arabia and title backers Aramco will materialise in the wake of Rossi’s decision to retire rather than compete.