Uccio Salucci On VR46-Yamaha Rumors - "Would Be Nice If They would share it with us too"
Categories: MotoGP
For re-elected FIM President Jorge Viegas, only two Yamahas on the MotoGP grid are not the solution for fair competition. The Spaniard is fuelling rumors of a VR46-Yamaha partnership. Team manager Uccio Salucci contradicts.
In the first weeks after the season finale in Valencia, more and more rumours emerge that a break between Ducati and the VR46 Racing Team is imminent. The Italians would want to turn to Yamaha.
Luca Marini during the Valencia test after the season finale – Image provided by Motorsport Images
Since the split with their satellite team, Yamaha has been without a second team. A possible replacement is now said to be the VR46 team.
However, the team of MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi is still tied to Ducati until the end of 2024. But despite a valid contract, the rumours continue.
The newly re-elected FIM President Jorge Viegas is also fuelling the rumours. The Spaniard caused a stir with his statement that the VR46 Racing Team would switch from Ducati to Yamaha as early as 2024.
Uccio Salucci, Valentino Rossi’s long-time companion and now team director at VR46, however, denies the rumors. When asked by GPOne.com, the Italian said:
“We will certainly fulfil the existing contract. For 2025 we will then see if we continue with Ducati or not. I don’t know why Viegas is spreading such a bomb, but we don’t know anything about it.”
Jorge Viegas caused a stir with his statements on the VR46 Racing Team – Image provided by Motorsport Images
Salucci confirms that they want to bring a bike as competitive as possible to the grid. For that, the Ducati Desmosedici is currently the reference.
Even with the GP22, the Ducati might be the better option for 2023. “As I have always said: For us, it is important to have competitive bikes.”
However, the Italian cannot deny a certain attachment to Yamaha. “From a personal point of view, I hope that Yamaha will be competitive. However, this wish has nothing to do with the VR46 Racing Team.”
Salucci is surprised by the rumors. “We feel comfortable with Ducati. The bikes are strong and [Luca] Marini and [Marco] Bezzecchi are very happy with them.”
“I don’t know why this rumor has come up. If there is some truth to it, it would be nice if they would share it with us too.” Finally, the Italian assures: “Our path is to continue with Ducati.”
