There is a special atmosphere that has hovered around Valentino Rossi's future VR46 team in MotoGP since it was announced with great fanfare under the Saudi Aramco colors. And for good reason: while a prince of the kingdom expressed his enthusiasm for this adventure, the company denied any agreement. Meanwhile, the promised millions made Ducati decide not only to arm the team, but to make a deal with the academy for future riders. Everything would be fine in the best of all possible worlds if doubt did not persist about who decides what among the Saudis...
The Saudis, for ambition VR46 in MotoGP are they an oasis or a mirage? Valentino Rossi and his troops were they fooled by a tale of the thousand and one nights? These are questions that persist in the paddock and the site motorsport-magazin.com reports that the announced sponsorship deal with the state-owned Saudi oil production company Aramco may not seem so sure. Rumor has it that Red could have become the pawn in a confrontation within the royal family. Prince Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al Saud announced the deal through his company 'Tanal Entertainment Sport & Media'. The “Aramco” brand, however, does not fall under its authority. The oil company allegedly even denied the agreement with VR46 to the MotoGP promoter Dorna.
Valentino Rossi and Prince Abdulaziz
Similarly, Prince Abdulaziz has made no secret of the fact that he would like Valentino Rossi be a driver in his own team. This wish will probably remain unfulfilled, the end of Rossi's career is practically fixed. Casa Particular in Viñales would be an alternative in principle, but he should not be very enthusiastic about the status of the satellite. The interest of Ducati for him has nevertheless remained constant since winter 2019/2020.
If Valentino really decided to hang up his helmet, it would be difficult for the Saudi prince who financed this entire “Aramco operation”. He will not accept not having in the team a high-level driver associated with the image of his companies. It is true that Casa Particular in Viñales said he didn't want a private team, but with the budget and a bike identical to the official ones any rider becomes easier to convince. To be continued…
