VR46 Ducati Confirms Franco Morbidelli for 2026

VR46 Ducati has locked in Franco Morbidelli for the 2026 MotoGP season, confirming the veteran rider will continue with the team well into next year following strong results and a revitalised start to his current campaign.

Credit: Drew Hill Photography

Morbidelli, 30, joined VR46 at the start of this year after Ducati’s Pramac outfit reshuffled its satellite structure. His move to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team has done wonders: after a rocky spell earlier this season, Morbidelli returned to scoring form, achieving podium finishes in both Argentina and Qatar. He currently sits sixth in the riders’ championship, ahead of his teammate Fabio di Giannantonio by seven points.

While earlier in the year Morbidelli suffered a setback—missing the German and Czech GPs due to a left collarbone break during a sprint race at Sachsenring—he bounced back in style, returning at Austria and earning a third-place finish in the half-distance race at Balaton Park.

Morbidelli’s contract extension was made official on 2 September 2025, meaning he will remain with VR46 through the 2026 season. This decision marks the completion of VR46’s rider lineup for 2026, as his teammate di Giannantonio is already secured with a contract that runs through the same period.

Team principal Alessio Salucci expressed satisfaction with Morbidelli’s integration, praising his personal and professional relationships within the squad, his consistency, and the experience he brings to the outfit. The team believes Morbidelli’s presence, combined with Ducati’s technical support and VR46’s growing strength, gives them momentum to build toward even better results next year.

Morbidelli himself stated that he feels a deep connection to the team. He credited the leadership—from Valentino Rossi, alongside Uccio and Pablo—and the entire VR46 Riders Academy for fostering a supportive environment. He spoke of wanting to continue achieving standout moments, acknowledging the “great potential” they have together.

As it stands, VR46 Ducati is currently third in the team standings, trailing only the factory Ducati squad and fellow customer team Gresini. With Morbidelli signed on, the team heads toward 2026 with stability, confidence, and hope that this union will yield more podiums and stronger championship contention.