Jannik Sinner breaks Novak Djokovic record as he storms into Italian Open semi-finals
Jannik Sinner storms into Italian Open semi-finals, breaking Djokovic's record!
Valentino Rossi is looking to fill the MotoGP seat left by Fabio Di Giannantonio at VR46 with another Italian rider to partner Fermin Aldeguer. The search may expand beyond just Italian options due to the competitive landscape in MotoGP.
Mentioned in this story
Photo by Mirco Lazzari gp/Getty Images
With Fabio Di Giannantonio set to depart, VR46 appear to be focusing their search for his replacement on Italian riders to partner Fermin Aldeguer.
Over the weekend, news broke that Di Giannantonio will join KTM in 2027, reuniting with his former Gresini teammate Alex Marquez. Itâs a move that leaves an opening alongside Aldeguer at VR46, and Rossi seems keen to fill it with another Italian.
But narrowing the search to just Italian options wonât be easy, especially given the current crop in MotoGP. The team may need to broaden their scope and consider riders from other categories or even bring someone up from outside the series.
There are already a few names being discussed within the team, including a potential return for a former VR46 rider who has long-standing connections with Rossi.
Photo by Guido De Bortoli/Getty Images for Monster Energy
MotoGP journalist Mela Chercoles told Nico Abad that VR46 are looking to replace Fabio Di Giannantonio with another Italian rider.
Franco Morbidelli has been ruled out due to poor form, leaving them with two main options: bringing back Luca Marini, who has close ties to Valentino Rossi, or signing Celestino Vietti from Moto2âs Speed Up Racing team.
âWe already know that Di Giannantonio has said yes to KTM⊠They (Ducati and VR46) want it to be an Italian rider. The fight, theoretically, was between Di Giannantonio and Morbidelli,â Chercoles said.
âMorbidelli was no match for Di Giannantonio, just wasnât producing results that justify it. Another option is to move Vietti up from Moto2, which they like.
Fabio Di Giannantonio is set to depart for KTM in 2027, leaving an opening at VR46 that Valentino Rossi aims to fill.
Rossi is keen to maintain a national representation in the team, especially with Di Giannantonio's departure creating a vacancy.
VR46 may struggle to find suitable Italian candidates in the current MotoGP landscape and might need to consider riders from other categories.
Jannik Sinner storms into Italian Open semi-finals, breaking Djokovic's record!
Boston Bruins Set to Select at 23rd Overall in 2026 NHL Draft
Arnold Allen: The elusive UFC featherweight preparing for his next fight.
Hull City prepares for possible Playoff Final delay due to spying allegations

Jannik Sinner breaks Djokovic's record with 32 consecutive Masters wins!
Get ready for the 2026 Preakness Stakes with expert predictions and odds!
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
âLetâs see what happens with Luca Marini, who has been left without a place at Honda. He had an offer from Yamaha at one point, and now he has been left without a place. He is Valentino Rossiâs brother and is a good riderâŠâ
Since news broke of Di Giannantonio leaving the team, another name linked with VR46 may also be attracting interest from other teams.
MotoGP reporter Mela Chercoles added that Nicolo Bulega, who has been linked with a move to VR46, had his manager in Jerez during the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, holding discussions with Aprilia.
Bulegaâs name had already been associated with VR46 well before Di Giannantonioâs decision to join KTM became public. But there are questions about whether Valentino Rossi will follow through on signing him.
If Rossi chooses to bring Luca Marini back into the fold, it could push back Bulegaâs arrival in MotoGP. On the other hand, Ducatiâwho have an existing agreement with Bulegaâmight step in to accelerate his move.
Rossi doesnât need to rush the decision just yet. However, heâll need to factor in Ducatiâs interests when choosing Fermin Aldeguerâs future teammate.
Read more: