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Valentino Rossi’s VR46 MotoGP team is feeling confident about retaining star rider Marco Bezzecchi for the 2024 season. Bezzecchi, who has won two grand prix races this year, has been considering whether to stay with VR46 and upgrade to a Ducati GP23 or join Pramac to ride a factory-spec Ducati GP24.

While Bezzecchi has expressed his preference for a GP24 while remaining with VR46, Ducati and Pramac have both stated that this option is not possible. However, VR46 is still hopeful and team manager Pablo Nieto has stated that their intention is to provide Bezzecchi with a works-spec Ducati.

It is unlikely that VR46 will be able to secure a GP24 for Bezzecchi, as Ducati has previously dismissed the possibility of expanding to five factory-spec bikes in 2024. However, VR46 could offer other incentives to Bezzecchi, such as increased engineering support and a contract directly with the factory.

Nieto has acknowledged that discussions are ongoing with Ducati, but he cannot provide specific details. He emphasized that Bezzecchi’s priority is to receive the best technical support from Ducati while also continuing with VR46.

Meanwhile, Johann Zarco’s future at Pramac is uncertain. Zarco has expressed that Honda seems more interested in him than Ducati, but Pramac currently offers him the best chance of winning. Zarco has highlighted the importance of feeling wanted and in-demand in making his decision.

Zarco has not made a final decision yet, but he hopes to resolve the matter before the Asian leg of MotoGP begins in late September. He has hinted that the contract could be directly with Honda, similar to Alex Rins’ case.

There could be a scenario where Bezzecchi stays at VR46, but Zarco decides to leave Ducati. This would create a vacancy at Pramac with no clear candidate to fill it.

Despite the uncertainties surrounding the riders’ futures, Pramac is currently leading the MotoGP points standings, outscoring VR46 and all five factory teams.

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