The name of Aramco, a state oil company in Saudi Arabia, has been linked to Valentino Rossi's future MotoGP team, from the draft of the latter, by an enigmatic Saudi prince. Then, as the weeks went by, the situation became less and less clear, when a denial intervened of Aramco, itself partially denied until the Doctor ends up walling himself into an attitude consisting of saying during his numerous responses that he was not really aware of the situation, because he was very busy, and that the journalists ultimately caused him more concern than the future of his future team in the premier category.
Valentino Rossi: “I still have to answer a lot of questions about my team next year, but honestly I don't know very well: I try to give a lot of news but I'm very focused on the rest. I'm not the person to talk to to understand the latest news regarding my team next year, simply because I don't follow that directly since I have to concentrate on driving. I've already said it 20 times but you continue, not you, but all journalists, to ask the same questions. That's very difficult! The rest no. »
Of this new team, we only know today thatshe will use Ducatis and Luca marini will be one of the drivers on a GP22. We also assume that Marco Bezzecchi will be his teammate and, given the recurring lack of announcement, we sincerely thought the Saudi adventure had fallen into oblivion…
At least, until September 23, when the official MotoGP.com website has published a provisional list of Moto2 and Moto3 teams confirmed in 2022, pending the final list which will be issued by the FIM during the Valencia GP on November 11, 2021.
Included in the intermediate category is the team “ Aramco VR46 Team » in place of the current name “SKY Racing Team VR46”. Legacy of a first project not updated? No ! Because according to our information, before publishing this list, the IRTA asked all the teams to validate the name by return email.
It could therefore seem that the Aramco project as title sponsor is still in the air at VR46, and this apparently receives confirmation from an article previously published but recently updated, still on the official website, concerning MotoGP. This time, the name is “ Aramco Racing Team VR46 » without specification of drivers.
So, are these definitive names as a prelude to an announcement which could ultimately take place at Misano-2, or are these simple provisional surnames while awaiting the final lists, possibly with another title sponsor?
Honestly, it's quite difficult to answer because we have on one side facts (the lists from the official website MotoGP.com), and on the other, paddock noises always seeming very clearly to indicate that the Aramco track has indeed been lost in the desert!
Place your bets ! Another clue? Game maker Milestone does not include any of the Saudi prince's "brands" (Tanal Entertainment, Maic Technologies, KSA New Cities) on the VR46's motorcycles, as they are not registered trademarks. Strange and smokey affair which we hope will end well for the VR46…
