For over a quarter of a century, Alessio "Uccio" Salucci has been much more than Valentino Rossi's friend: he's his shadow, his confidant, and now the boss of the VR46 team, Ducati's satellite team in MotoGP. In an interview, Uccio retraces their shared journey, from the VR46 Academy to the head of a team that rocks the paddock.
More than 25 years of shared history, hundreds of races, countless laughs and a few tears: Uccio Salucci, the right arm of always Valentino Rossi, is today much more than just a traveling companion. He is the boss of the Team VR46, first satellite team of Ducati in MotoGP, and the man who transformed Rossi's legacy into a solid, structured and ambitious project.
In an interview given to the Italian media Fan Page relayed by motosan, I kill looks back on this exceptional journey, guided by a single constant: absolute passion for this sport and unwavering loyalty to Rossi.
« It's been 26 or 27 seasons now. I'm already an old MotoGP man. But the passion is still the same. This sport is my life. » It all started as an assistant, confidant, sometimes driver, often wearing a helmet, but always a wise advisor:
« More than recognized, I may have been slightly underestimated. But I didn't care. My only goal was for Vale to be okay. I wasn't there to be an extra or always say yes.I told him several times that he was wrong, and it wasn't always easy.. " he acknowledges.
Uccio Salucci: “ Valentino Rossi called me and said: “Bravo, bravo, bravo! We won a race in MotoGP!” »
The turning point took place around 2013-2014, with the creation of the team Sky VR46 in Moto3, then in Moto2. In 2020, I said to Vale: 'We've developed these kids since the Academy, we can't let them go now. We have to bring them to MotoGP.' »
And the bet paid off. 2023, Bezzecchi offer to VR46 his first victory in MotoGP, a founding moment that Rosshe himself hastens to greet: " He called me and said: “Bravo, bravo, bravo! We won a MotoGP race!” That's when I realized that what we had built was producing real results. »
Today, VR46 is the number one satellite team of Ducati, a role reinforced by the departure of Pramac toward Yamaha . Uccio remains humble, but ambitious: " We are not here to win at all costs, but to progress.I hope for some podiums, and why not some victories.. »
With Franco Morbidelli on a package he knows well and By Giannantonio On a factory bike, the expectations are there, but the philosophy remains true to that instilled by Rossi : passion, friendship, progression.
Uccio, from the shadows to the limelight, continues to forge his path with the same authenticity as on the first day. And while MotoGP is sometimes a battle of egos and speed, his journey teaches a fine lesson in loyalty, patience... and results.
