VR46 Racing Team ends partnership with Franco Morbidelli after 2026 MotoGP season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 2:08 AM
Last updated Sep 9, 2026
The VR46 Racing Team confirmed it will conclude its partnership with rider Franco Morbidelli following the 2026 MotoGP season. Morbidelli, the first official member and world champion from the VR46 Academy, joined the team for the 2025 campaign. Team director Alessio Salucci described Morbidelli as a strong candidate for the World Superbike circuit as the rider's nine-year premier-class career approaches a transition. Reports indicate Morbidelli is expected to move to the factory Aruba.it Ducati squad to ride a Panigale V4R. Meanwhile, current World Superbike leader Nicolò Bulega is expected to join the VR46 MotoGP team alongside Fermin Aldeguer for 2027. Morbidelli currently sits 16th in the 2026 MotoGP standings.
- •VR46 will release Franco Morbidelli at the end of the 2026 MotoGP season.
- •Nicolò Bulega is projected to replace Morbidelli at VR46 for 2027.
- •Morbidelli is linked to a factory seat with Aruba.it Ducati in World Superbike.
- •Morbidelli holds three career MotoGP victories from his 2020 season with Petronas Yamaha.
- 2:08 AMYahoo Sports — VR46 To Part With Franco Morbidelli
"A potential seat swap with WSBK-leader Bulega expected Franco Morbidelli's premier-class career is winding down, as VR46 confirmed that its partnership with the 31-year-old Italian will end after the 2026 season, closing out nine years in MotoGP. [cuttext][/cuttext] The Valentino Rossi-owned VR46 Racing Team shared the news on its official Instagram page, posting: [blockquote]At the end of this season, our journey with @frankymorbido will come to an end.[/blockquote][blockquote]There have been p
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