The second half of the 2021 MotoGP World Championship starts again this week with the Styrian MotoGP, with all eyes on Valentino Rossi for a clue as to whether he will officially announce his plans for the 2022 season.
The Italian has kept his cards very close to his chest as to his future and while in the middle of his worst MotoGP season to date – which leads many to believe that he will hang up his helmet at the end of the season – Rossi still has two racing options available to him; stay with the Petronas SRT Yamaha Team or join the Aramco VR46 Ducati Team that bears his name.
Rossi has long suggested that he will use the summer break to make a final decision on how to continue. September’s San Marino MotoGP at Misano – his home race – is expected to be the site of an official announcement.
However, many will see the two upcoming races at the Red Bull Ring as an opportunity to get a clue about one’s associations.
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Bookmakers in Italy have even started placing bets on whether Rossi will keep going, with the least chance of retiring.
Nonetheless, the idea is growing that he will compete on one of the Ducatis used by his VR46 Racing team that will advance to the MotoGP World Championship in 2022.
The team officially confirmed last month that it will be promoted to the premier league in a contract with Saudi oil giant Aramco, who will become the team’s title sponsor for four seasons, with Ducati supplying machines for at least three years.
Saudi Arabia’s Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah – who is behind the deal – has made it very clear that he wants to continue driving Rossi for at least one more season.
However, rhetoric from those close to Rossi also suggested he was with his brother Luca Marini – who is almost certain to get one of the seats – and friend Alessio ‘Uccio’ Salucci. might come up with the idea of racing under his own banner, both saying it is their hope that Rossi will be racing with VR46 Racing for the next season.
More is expected to be announced at an upcoming press conference [date TBA] is held by Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media – a holding company owned by the Prince – with particular focus on the Aramco VR46 Racing project.
It is believed that Rossi’s involvement in racing could enable the team to ensure on-spec delivery of Ducati motorcycles in line with the factory and Pramac Racing teams. If Rossi isn’t driving, Marco Bezzecchi is expected to be signed alongside Marini.