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MotoGP legend Rossi introduced his long-running VR46 group to the premier class for the primary time final yr after signing a three-year deal to run as a Ducati satellite tv for pc squad.
The group managed a pole place with rookie Marco Bezzecchi in Thailand final yr, with the Italian taking a maiden podium on the Dutch GP earlier within the season.
Each Bezzecchi and Rossi’s half-brother Luca Marini will stay with the group for 2023, with group director Uccio Salucci telling Motorsport.com’s Spanish version that he hopes to achieve the highest step of the rostrum this season.
“Our first yr was higher than we anticipated,” Salucci mentioned in Portugal. “I knew we’d go quick, however I did not assume a lot.
“I used to be a bit apprehensive concerning the lack of MotoGP expertise of a few of our mechanics.
“However all of them did very properly. Now, within the second yr, it is truthful to anticipate extra.
“I hope to struggle for the rostrum each Sunday and get a win or two, that might be a dream. However the targets will rely on the velocity you may have the ability to present.”
VR46 will run 2022-spec bikes for its riders this season, not like final yr when Marini had a manufacturing unit bike.
Given Gresini’s Enea Bastianini (who has now moved to the manufacturing unit Ducati group) received 4 races on a 2021-spec bike final yr, Salucci expects his group can replicate this in 2023.
“We sat Luca, Valentino and I at a desk and talked about it, and even he [Marini] agreed to proceed working with the bike he utilized in 2022,” he provides.
“We understood final yr that the manufacturing unit Ducati just isn’t a simple bike to handle for a personal group like ours.
“Pramac is a satellite tv for pc group, but it surely’s as if it have been official. They’ve a number of expertise and a number of Ducati engineers.
“Right here, no. We did not have a lot expertise. Luca is delighted with the 2022 Desmosedici, as a result of the bike goes very properly and has been improved in some features.
“I feel the same scenario [to that of Gresini’s in 2022] might be replicated.
“The change from the 2021 to the 2022 Ducati was very huge. Between the 2022 and the 2023, the bike modifications virtually nothing.”
Marco Bezzecchi, VR46 Racing Staff
Picture by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Salucci additionally heaped reward on Bezzecchi who he says is “a pure expertise”, however urged him to “discover a approach to handle the weekends somewhat higher” as he “generally will get too nervous, too tense”.
The group boss additionally revealed Rossi, who’s embarking on a GT World Problem Europe marketing campaign with WRT for a second yr, will make his first MotoGP go to of the season on the Spanish GP on the finish of April.
“He at all times trains with the Academy youngsters when he can, however he has to maintain his commitments on this new section of his life,” Salucci mentioned of Rossi.
“And at residence he likes to be together with his household. Every time he can he involves the races and, in actual fact, he’ll come to Jerez.
“He’s very concerned with the Academy undertaking which, in actual fact, is his undertaking. If Valentino wasn’t concerned in MotoGP we’d shut the group; I’ve no should be right here.
“I miss Vale. At residence I see him each day, however right here [in the paddock] I miss him, as a result of we now have been collectively for 25 years.”
