The MotoGP landscape is shifting, and for Ducati, the most compelling narrative isn't unfolding in the factory garage, but within the vibrant confines of the VR46 Racing Team. Team Director Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci isn't just making noise; he’s confidently proclaiming his independent squad as the top Ducati outfit on the grid right now.
Key Takeaways from VR46's Ascent
- VR46 Director Alessio 'Uccio' Salucci asserts his team is the premier Ducati outfit in MotoGP.
- Fabio Di Giannantonio's stellar performance, including a podium at Jerez, positions him as the leading Ducati rider in the standings.
- The factory Ducati Team faces an unusual nine-race podium drought, highlighting VR46's impressive surge.
- Salucci credits Di Giannantonio's improved riding and stable team dynamics for their early season success.
The Shifting Ducati Power Dynamic
Salucci's audacious claim comes as the VR46 Racing Team sits comfortably in third place in the teams' championship, making them the highest-ranked Ducati satellite team. While Gresini and Alex Marquez might dispute this after their Spanish Grand Prix victory, the consistency and individual brilliance from VR46's star rider are undeniable.
"Diggia's" Ascent: A New Ducati Star?
Fabio Di Giannantonio's outstanding run, capped by a brilliant third-place finish at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez, has propelled him to the summit of all Ducati riders in the championship standings. This isn't just a fleeting moment; it's a statement. Salucci, a trusted confidant of Valentino Rossi, expressed immense satisfaction with their start. He highlighted how finishing the previous season strong, particularly with Di Giannantonio, laid the groundwork for their current success.
"It’s a great satisfaction," Salucci told Motorsport.com Italy. "We really got off on the right foot. Last season was a bit too inconsistent, but in the final five or six races I felt we were heading in the right direction, especially with Diggia. I always say that to have a strong season, you need to finish the previous one well."
Factory Struggles: An Unprecedented Skid
Meanwhile, the official Ducati Team has hit an unexpected rough patch. Their podium drought now stretches an astonishing nine consecutive Grands Prix, a stark contrast to the dominant form seen when Francesco Bagnaia clinched the Japanese Grand Prix last year. This dip in form at the factory level only amplifies VR46's impressive start and validates Salucci's confident assertion.
Salucci underlined the mutual benefit of their performance: "I’m happy because we’re the top Ducati team right now - that’s something I like. I’m also glad we can provide solid support to the factory Ducati team, because they’re watching us closely; they see how fast we are. And that’s why we’re here."
VR46's Winning Formula Revealed
A significant portion of VR46's early 2026 success, according to Salucci, hinges on Di Giannantonio's evolution as a rider and the stability within his garage. The synergy developed over time is proving invaluable.
Beyond the Rider: Team Synergy Pays Off
Di Giannantonio's second year with the team, and crucially, his second year working with engineer Massimo Branchini, has forged a powerful partnership. This sustained collaboration has allowed them to refine their approach and maximize the potential of the Ducati machinery.
"A lot of credit also goes to Diggia – he’s riding incredibly well. He’s understood how to ride this bike, and it’s his second year with the team," Salucci explained. "Last year we changed crew chief, with Branchini coming in, and now they’re in their second year together. They’re working better and better, and that really pleases me."
The Morbidelli Conundrum
While Di Giannantonio shines, the other side of the VR46 garage tells a different story. Franco Morbidelli continues to battle for form, sitting significantly behind his teammate in the championship standings. His struggles from 2025 have unfortunately carried over, posing a challenge for the team even as their primary rider excels.
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