The name already exists – Aramco Racing Team VR46 – as well as the agreement to compete in MotoGP for five years from 2022. However, many pieces of the puzzle have yet to be implemented from the brand of Fahrrad, which will be selected for Valentino’s team to debut in the premier class.
We tried to find out more about this new project with Alberto Tebaldi, the doctor’s right-hand man and CEO of VR46.
“We had always dreamed of arriving in MotoGP. Given the evolution of our team and our academy, this may work for our riders. It all started from there – explains ‘Albi’ – The desire to have a team in Moto3 came because our boys needed it, then they went quickly and Moto2 caught on. They went on quickly and we said: It would be nice to do MotoGP. “
Now it’s a reality …
“We know it will be a completely different obligation, we have to be structured. But the idea took shape and from that moment on we tried to understand how to do it and talked to our historical partners like Sky and Monster. At the same time, two years ago, more precisely in June 2019, I met the architect Marco Bernardini, the prince’s confidante, for projects related to Saudi Vision 2030, in which three new cities were built. We thought about the possibility of creating a VR46 theme park like the Ferrari in Abu Dhabi and then talking about a whole range of synergies until we thought it would be nice to share that commitment on a sporting level too. The idea was pursued, so that the sponsorship for the teams initially took shape this year as we continued to consider a joint venture. “
It is not an easy sponsorship …
“It’s a real collaboration and we’re proud because we’ve worked on it for a long time, it wasn’t easy. For those who, like us, pursue sporting dreams, it is very important to have such a partner who gives us the strength to carry out our projects. “
Will the team be reserved for VR46 Riders Academy riders only?
“No, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. We hope and dream that our riders will reach such a level to enter it, otherwise it will be open to others too. So much also depends on the bike we choose. We know that even the manufacturer can have their driver needs. It will work in a similar way to other satellite teams, with an eye on our drivers, of coursein which we invest a lot ”.
When will we know which motorcycle you are going to ride?
“We hope we are all excited and want to get to work as soon as possible. There will be a lot to do. I hope that we can make the announcement for the Le Mans GP, Mugello at the latest. “”
Everyone’s talking about Ducati, Aprilia, Suzuki, can’t you give us an idea?
“I don’t have the elements. All I can say is that I am convinced Aprilia has a competitive bike, they did a great job and I’m not sure Suzuki will have two more bikes. What will guide us in choosing is the type of support the manufacturer can give us. I think this is something fundamental today, given the gaps that exist. If you don’t have support at the official team level in MotoGP, it becomes difficult to lose those 4 or 5 tenths … and you are done. “
Was Valentino immediately convinced of this project?
“Vale has always lived it differently: He’s a rider, a Yamaha rider, he goes his own way and so does the team. The plan to get into MotoGP was already there, so we chose Esponsorama’s option last year. Vale is happy because we live for it, for the sport, and it’s great to be able to compete in MotoGP. It will be difficult, but we will try to do the best we can. We’ll start calmly, like at the academy. “
Agostini drove his final year 500 in his own team. Could Valentino do that too?
“I can’t answer right now. The first will be Vale’s decision whether to continue or not. then it also depends on which bike we will use ”.