For many Filipino MotoGP fans, the name of Valentino Rossi is almost as well-known as MotoGP itself. Known as “The Doctor”, he is a seven-time premier class world champion and holds the record for the most premier class victories and podium finishes, with 89 wins and 199 podiums in his career.
Although retired from racing, Rossi has not stopped on the motorsport scene. He leads the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team and recently unveiled their 2026 MotoGP team livery in Rome, Italy. The unveiling gave fans a glimpse of the #BlackAndLight concept, which the team dubbed “back to origins”, in homage to Rossi's iconic fluorescent race colors during his active days.
The Ducati satellite squad remains consistent in the new season, keeping Franco Morbidelli and Fabio Di Giannantonio as the main riders. According to the team, the #BlackAndLight design combines classic Rossi flair with modern aesthetics, which is sure to catch the eye of fans in the 2026 season.
In the 2025 season, the team achieved 13 podium finishes in both Sprint and Grand Prix races. Giannantonio finished the season with 262 points and 4 podiums in 22 races, while Franco Morbidelli had 231 points and 2 podiums in 20 races. The results show the team's consistent performance and readiness for the new season.
The combination of classic Rossi colors with the new #BlackAndLight livery, along with a solid rider lineup, aims to take the VR46 Racing Team to a higher level of competition. For fans, 2026 will be the year of nostalgia meets performance, and a season to look forward to on every Grand Prix track.
