Valentino Rossi is set to make a crucial decision regarding the VR46 MotoGP team’s lineup for the 2024 season. The team is currently considering two options to replace Luca Marini. One of the contenders is Fabio di Giannantonio, who has recently emerged as a favorite following his victory in Qatar. However, the other option is not Moto2 star Fermin Aldeguer.
Alessio Salucci, the VR46 team director, revealed that their project typically leans towards rookie riders, but Di Giannantonio’s exceptional performance in the last few races has put him in contention. Salucci confirmed that discussions with Di Giannantonio are ongoing and that Rossi, the team’s principal, is involved in the decision-making process.
The second option for the team is a very young rider, whose identity has not been disclosed. This could potentially be Manuel Gonzalez, who at 21 years old, secured his first Moto2 podium for the VR46 Yamaha Mastercamp team in Qatar.
While Luca Marini’s move to Repsol Honda has not been officially confirmed, it is widely considered a formality, given VR46’s openness about finding a replacement. The new rider for VR46 will need to be ready to join Marco Bezzecchi for the Valencia test on Tuesday.
In addition to rider decisions, Salucci also addressed rumors about VR46 potentially switching to Yamaha machinery in 2025. He mentioned that discussions are ongoing with various manufacturers, including Yamaha, KTM, and Ducati, with whom they have an option for 2025 and 2026. However, a decision on this matter is expected to be made in the middle of the next year.