Morbidelli to remain with VR46 Ducati for MotoGP 2026

Franco Morbidelli will remain at VR46 Ducati for a second consecutive season in MotoGP after signing a contract extension for 2026.

Morbidelli’s journey with the squad owned by his mentor and seven-time MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi began at the start of this year after Pramac left Ducati’s camp to become a satellite squad.

While his previous form left much to be desired, the move to VR46 has revitalised his fortunes, resulting in Sunday podiums in both Argentina and Qatar.

With eight rounds to go, he sits a solid sixth in the riders’ standings, seven points clear of his team-mate Fabio di Giannantonio.

Morbidelli missed the German and the Czech Grands Prix after breaking his left collarbone in a crash in the sprint race at Sachsenring.

He returned to action at the Austrian Grand Prix last month, before finishing third in the half-distance race at the newly-built Balaton Park Circuit a fortnight ago.

 “My love for this team is very deep,” said the 30-year-old. “I feel great here and have an amazing relationship with every single member.

“It will be a pleasure to race with the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team next year as well. It’s fantastic to announce something so special.

“I hope to experience many more great days like the ones we’ve had this year, because we truly deserve it. We have almost a year and a half ahead of us to keep showing the great potential we have together.

“I want to thank the whole team, with Vale, Uccio, and Pablo leading the way, the partners, the VR46 Riders Academy, and my people.”

Earlier this year, Pedro Acosta was linked with a surprise move to VR46 during a period of financial turmoil for KTM.

However, those rumours died down after KTM’s future was secured following a takeover by Bajaj Auto, and Morbidelli’s contract extension became a formality.

The news on Tuesday means VR46’s 2026 line-up is now complete, with di Giannantonio already under contract until the end of next season. The latter signed a two-year deal covering the 2025 and 2026 seasons in August last year.

VR46 currently sits third in the teams’ standings, behind just the factory Ducati squad and fellow Ducati customer Gresini.

“We are happy to confirm Franco for the next season too.” said team director Alessio Salucci. “He integrated with the team right from the start, building an excellent personal and professional relationship that has led to important results.

“Franco has been part of the VR46 Riders Academy since the very beginning and seeing him wear the colors of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has a special meaning for us, it feels like coming full circle.

“This year, with two podiums in the main races and two more in the Sprint, we showed what we can do; in this last part of the season and in the next one, the goal is to improve even more.

“His experience has been an added value and, together with the team’s expertise and Ducati’s support, we’re excited to continue this journey together in 2026 as well.”