Valentino Rossi the driver is now involved in motor racing as an official for the BMW brand in the GT World Challenge Championship. But he is also a nine-time World Champion who has made a career change as boss of a VR46 structure which will begin its tenth Grand Prix season in 2023 and its second in the premier category. It was therefore this Monday of the presentation of his troops for the campaign which is coming and which promises to be trying with the new format of the meetings. Equipped with very good GP22s which should maintain the advantage at the start of the calendar, the Doctor knows that with his drivers Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi, he can aim high. Moreover, this is what he clearly expects of them: to play up front and bring home podiums, or even more…
Valentino Rossi made his boss speech during the presentation of his Mooney VR46 Racing team which will face its second campaign MotoGP This year : " I'm expecting a big year in 2023 from the Mooney VR46 Racing team » begins the man from Tavullia. “ Last season we made our debut in MotoGP after so many years in Moto3 and Moto2 and it was a fantastic campaign. We were fast, even though the team was new. The guys did a great job, fighting for the podium and the top places on several occasions. This is still our goal for 2023 ».
Valentino Rossi: “ get the first victory and conquer as many podiums as possible«
He adds : we have two pilots very fast and more experienced, I hope they can take another step to get their first victory and conquer as many podiums as possible ". From there, he details: “ Luca is in his third season in MotoGP and I wait a lot from him. He improved a lot in 2022, he grew and got close to the podium several times and he deserved it. In Tests he was very fast and competitive ».
The half-brother having been introduced, he moves on to his teammate, best rookie of the last MotoGP season: “ Marco can also have a great season. For his rookie year in MotoGP, which is difficult for everyone, he was very good. He got on the podium at Assen and stayed in contact with the big names during numerous races. He must continue like this and he can improve to be even faster for his second year in the premier category ».
The final word goes to his trusted man, Alessio salucci, in fact general manager of the team: “ We are coming out of a demanding year but one that brought us a lot of satisfaction and we are ready to attack another season, the team's tenth in the Championship, the second in MotoGP. It is a great pride for all of us because we have seen Luca and Marco grow over the years and today they are wearing our colors and those of Mooney in the premier category. The level is very high, the new race format will be a challenge for everyone, but I am sure that the team will leave nothing to chance, as will our partners, first and foremost Mooney and Ducati, who continue to give their all to achieve important goals ».
