Franco Morbidelli, the talented Italian MotoGP rider, is poised to embark on a new chapter of his racing career in 2025 by joining the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. This move marks a significant shift for Morbidelli, who has been a prominent figure in the MotoGP paddock, having previously competed with Petronas Yamaha SRT and Yamaha’s factory team. The transition to the VR46 Racing Team, owned by MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi, is not only a return to familiar territory for Morbidelli but also a crucial step in revitalizing his career after a challenging few seasons.
Morbidelli’s association with Rossi goes back to his early career, as he was one of the first riders to train under Rossi at the VR46 Riders Academy. As a close protégé of Rossi, Morbidelli has often spoken of the influence the nine-time world champion has had on his development. Joining the VR46 team brings the pair’s relationship full circle, allowing them to work together once again in a professional setting.
The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, which debuted in MotoGP in 2022, has made steady progress under the guidance of Rossi. The team has grown in competitiveness, and the addition of a seasoned rider like Morbidelli is expected to bring experience and further bolster their ambitions for podium finishes. With rising star Marco Bezzecchi already showing impressive form, Morbidelli’s arrival creates a formidable lineup for the team in 2025.
For Morbidelli, this move offers a fresh opportunity to rediscover the form that saw him finish as the 2020 MotoGP runner-up. His recent struggles with Yamaha have been well-documented, but with the supportive environment of VR46 and a team built around nurturing talent, Morbidelli will look to reignite his racing career.
In joining the VR46 Racing Team, Morbidelli also aligns himself with a project that blends youthful energy with the experience of a racing icon like Rossi. The collaboration between the two is expected to be mutually beneficial, as Rossi’s team seeks to establish itself as a consistent front-runner in the MotoGP paddock, and Morbidelli aims to once again challenge the top riders in the sport.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Franco Morbidelli and how he adapts to this exciting new challenge with Pertamina Enduro VR46. This move not only reunites him with a mentor but also offers the possibility of a career resurgence under the banner of one of MotoGP’s most exciting new teams.