The 2025 MotoGP season ended with a stark reality for VR46: the team of legend Valentino Rossi was left behind by a team also using Ducatis. Despite its privileged status as an official satellite team from Borgo Panigale and the valuable GP25 entrusted to Fabio Di Giannantonio, the picture is bleak for its leader, Pablo Nieto. Facing the formidable Gresini team, which also had GP24s, the gap had become an abyss.
The numbers speak for themselves. While Gresini racked up impressive performances with three victoriesAlex Marquez and the revelation Fermin Aldeguer, VR46 only climbed onto the podium six times in 22 races. The gap in the constructors' championship? A crushing 188 points in favor of Gresiniwho will even inherit a factory bike in 2026. A slap in the face.
In this context, the admissions of the team principal, Pablo NietoThese words sound like a cry of alarm. Far from mincing words, he admits defeat against his direct rival. It's true, Gresini has the same equipment as us, and they were faster than us. " he bluntly asks Sky ItalyA stark observation, but one that should serve as a wake-up call.
The major problem? Disastrous consistency, highlighted by the boss after Diggia's final podium finish in Valencia. We need to understand why, this season, we were fighting for the podium in one race – and sometimes, like in Germany, for the win – while it was very difficult to finish in the top 10 the following race " he analyzes, perplexed.
For GrandsonThis inconsistency is the poison that ruined their season. It is very, very important to be more consistent Because, ultimately, that's what makes the difference. " he insists. The objective is now clear: to aim for the top five in every outing. "Our goal is to be more consistent and always finish at least in the top five." ».
Pablo Nieto: “ We need to improve, we need to beat them, and beat the factory team from time to time as well. »
« It's very, very difficult "He acknowledges this, while emphasizing the need to avoid exacerbating the difficulties." When you have problems, it's very important not to amplify them.This is a key element, because a small problem can become a bigger one. Personally, I think that's why in some races we fight for the podium and not in others. »
But beyond the settings and pure performance, it is the ambition that needs to be raised. Pablo Nieto is no longer content to play a supporting role. His ultimatum is unequivocal: We need to improve, we need to beat them, and beat the factory team from time to time too, because that's our goal: we fight for something important »
The message has been sent. The era of excuses is over. After a disappointing 2025, the VR46 is up against the wall. It absolutely must rediscover the consistency of the elite and the will to win that made its founder great. Otherwise, the status of official satellite team will be nothing but an empty title in the face of the war machine. GresiniThe 2026 season is shaping up to be the verdict.
