Valentino Rossi will be back in the MotoGP paddock more often in 2025 – He wants to support his team more actively and could also help Bagnaia in the title fight
The 2025 MotoGP season will be a very special one for VR46-Ducati. As team principal Uccio Salucci confirms, team owner Valentino Rossi plans to be a more frequent presence at the circuits again this year.
“Vale will be keeping us company more often in MotoGP. For one thing, he loves Franco. The two have a very, very good relationship. For another, he is more and more involved in the MotoGP project every day. He is very passionate about his team,” reveals the VR46 team manager.
After retiring from MotoGP at the end of 2021, Rossi initially focused on his career as a car racer. Despite successful outings in the GT World Challenge Europe, he has never lost his passion for MotoGP.
Return as a key figure in the VR46 team
Now that he will be competing in fewer races himself this year, he will have more time for his team. “He wants to come to at least six or seven races,” said Salucci.
“I’m very happy about that because when he is there, he spends a lot of time with us in the pits, with our drivers, and with Di Giannantonio. That’s always very important for us. Vale is Vale, and I hope he will come to six or seven races,” Rossi’s long-time companion and buddy affirms.
In addition to the development of his team, Rossi’s presence will also be important for Francesco Bagnaia, who, as the VR46 Academy driver, is one of the title contenders. Next season, he will have to compete with Marc Marquez – Rossi’s former arch-enemy in MotoGP – in the Ducati factory team.
Rossi as mental support for Bagnaia
“Together with Martin, they are the three strongest drivers on the grid,” analyzes Salucci. ”At least that’s what they showed last year. I wouldn’t want to be in Tardozzi’s shoes (laughs), who has to deal very well with two very strong drivers. We’ll see the rest then.”
Salucci is convinced that Bagnaia can keep up with his new teammate. “Pecco is a very strong rider. There are strong riders and very strong riders, and I count Pecco among the very strong ones who have that certain something.”
“For me, he has all the trumps in his hand to fight for the title alongside Marquez. Then I put Martin and, why not, Di Giannantonio in between.”
When asked whether Rossi’s increased presence could also help Bagnaia psychologically, Salucci’s answer is clear: ”Definitely. The more Vale comes to the Grands Prix, the more he can be of help. But Pecco has often shown that, psychologically, he is a difficult rider to beat.”
“It’s not easy. Especially in close combat, he is someone who has always shown character. If he continues to be as fast as he was last year, it won’t be easy for Marquez either,” the VR46 team principal is sure with an eye on 2025.