Jakarta – MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi forecasts that 2024 will be the most beautiful year for his VR46 Academy riders in MotoGP.
The seven-time world champion’s academy has four graduates competing: defending champion Francesco Bagnaia, Marco Bezzecchi, Franco Morbidelli, and his brother Luca Marini.
“The 2024 season promises to be a great year. Our riders, or more precisely, those from the academy (VR46), have very competitive bikes,” he told Sky Sports.
Among the four mentioned riders, Marini is actually the most doubtful to contend, especially after deciding to move to Repsol Honda for his first factory motorcycle attempt.
Marini was recruited by Honda to fill the spot left by six-time world champion Marc Marquez, who departed for Ducati and joined Gresini Racing.
Luca Marini had the weakest bike performance last season. However, Rossi now believes Marini can gain an advantage with his performance in the 2024 MotoGP alongside Honda.
“Bagnaia is the reigning champion and will race in the factory team. Morbidelli will have the factory Ducati bike at Pramac. Bezzecchi defends VR46, and then there’s Marini, who will compete with Honda,” Rossi said.
Francesco Bagnaia became the first VR46 Academy graduate to win the MotoGP championship in 2022. He is now eyeing his third title after defending his crown last year.
In the meantime, Marco Bezzecchi claimed VR46’s first premier class victory last season and is now ready to challenge for the title once again.
Next, Franco Morbidelli could be one to watch this season as he finally gets an upgraded bike, the same as Bagnaia’s.
As for Marini, he will certainly be at the forefront of Honda’s resurgence. The manufacturer has been on a decline in recent years.