RiderTua.com – Until now there has been no agreement on a new agreement between Ducati and VR46 Racing. Valentino Rossi’s team contract as a Ducati satellite team is valid until the end of 2024, but they have a clause that allows them to extend it for another 2 years. The expected deadline and that set by Uccio Salucci (VR46 team director) before the Qatar GP has ended.
When Mauro Grassilli, who replaced Paolo Ciabatti as Ducati sporting director this year, was asked, is VR46 looking for a better status? He replied, “Pramac has exclusivity as a factory-backed satellite team. We are in talks with VR46 to extend our relationship.”
Ducati Releasing VR46 Racing For Economic Reasons?
Mauro Grassilli continued, “But this is also not easy because this agreement also has to fit into the new economic framework. We meet with them every week, but we haven’t found a solution. We know that they are talking to other manufacturers (Yamaha). Like normal, but we’re not in a rush.”
Yamaha, which has a brilliant personal history with Valentino Rossi and is currently a brand ambassador, is at the forefront of making VR46 their satellite team. On the other hand, Ducati wants to reduce their expenses, including rider salaries in 2025 and beyond. They have signed Pecco Bagnaia on a well-paid long-term contract, but may have to part with other assets as a result.
Jorge Martin, a Pramac team rider who twice failed to be promoted to the factory Ducati team, plans to leave the factory from Borgo Panigale unless he wears a red racing shirt next year. Decisions regarding Martin’s future will be economic as well as sporting.
Grassilli explained, “The management of Pramac, which is our first satellite team and also other satellite teams, will change slightly. The global economic situation forces us to be very careful in allocating the budget, both to the official team and to Pramac which has the greatest support from the factory. Now we’re trying to get back to a more sustainable budget.”
Where will Martin end up if he leaves Ducati? “Jorge has incredible potential and currently has a contract with Ducati (for 2025). At the end of the year most of his contracts will expire, but considering his talent, it is clear he has many alternatives. He can go wherever he wants, but he has always said that the goal is an official team,” concluded Grasilli.
