Strong ties now unite Valentino Rossi and Saudi Arabia, an icon and a country which have built this relationship around their respective brands VR46 and Aramco. The two entities will exist in MotoGP brought together in a team which is now only waiting for the name of the manufacturer who will join them in the box. The general director of VR46, Alberto Tebaldi, revealed more details on this agreement which gives a new dimension to the academy of a Doctor who has given himself a little more the means to pass on to posterity.
Le Valentino Rossi pilot has his ambitions and his imperatives that the businessman Doctor ignores. At least this is the plan that the general director of VR46, Alberto Tebaldi first wanted to ask GP One before explaining a little more the ins and outs of a partnership bringing Tavullia closer to Saudi Arabia: “ he's a rider, a Yamaha rider, he goes his own way, just like the team. The plan to enter MotoGP already existed. Last year we also used the option with Esponsorama. Vale is happy because we live for this sport and it is wonderful to be able to compete in MotoGP. It will be difficult, but we will try to do our best. We're going to take it slowly, like with the Academy ».
The border having been drawn, the one who is also nicknamed Alby goes into detail: “ Almost two years ago, I met with architect Marco Bernardini, who is a confidant of the Saudi prince, for some projects as part of 'Saudi Vision 2030' which includes the construction of three new cities. We started to think about the possibility of a VR46 theme park like that of Ferrari in Abu Dhabi, then we talked about a number of synergies. Until we thought it would be good to share this commitment at the sporting level as well. The idea then turned into a sponsorship for this year, at the same time as a joint venture was considered ».
The Rossi team wants full support from its future manufacturer
“Alby” Tebaldi stressed that the strategic partnership with Tanal goes beyond simple sponsorship, it is rather a real collaboration, which does not limit the pilots' horizon to the sole breeding ground of the VR46 Riders Academy, which will nevertheless remain privileged access: “ we hope and dream that our drivers reach the level to be part of the team. Otherwise, it will also be open to others. Much will also depend on the motorcycle we choose. We understand that the manufacturer may have its own driver needs. So it will work in the same way as other customer teams, of course with an eye on our drivers, in whom we invest a lot “, declared the right arm of Valentino Rossi.
The manufacturer must therefore be quickly appointed to operate this Aramco Racing Team VR46. Exactly… " We are all eager to get started, there will be a lot to do. I hope we can announce it during the Grand Prix at Le Mans or at the latest at Mugello », announced the general director of VR46. “ What will be decisive for our choice, this is the support that a manufacturer can promise us. I believe that nowadays, with the small differences that there are, it is essential. If you don't have support at factory team level, it will be difficult in MotoGP. Then you miss those four or five tenths, and you're dropped... »
« The Aprilia is certainly competitive“, he said of the rumors which mainly spread in Italy. On the other hand, it is not certain that Suzuki brings two additional motorbikes at the start. However, it is still Ducati who would hold the rope, which means that, for the moment, Petronas has nothing to fear from this project for its relationship with Yamaha .
