MotoGP: Mooney VR46 unveil 2023 colours

Mooney VR46 Racing Team have launched the team’s 2023 MotoGP bike, in the team’s second year in the premier class.

Luca Marini and Marco Bezzecchi have unveiled the team’s 2023 bike, with both riders continuing with the team. It will be a similar look for the VR46 Team this season, with banking sponsor, Mooney continuing with the team.

Luca Marini will compete in his third season in the premier class, after moving to the class in 2021. Marini’s best season to date came in 2022, finishing 12^th in the standings. It was a consistent season for Marini in 2022, with one DNF in the season, after retirement in Malaysia.

Marco Bezzecchi will spend his second season in the MotoGP class this season, after debuting with the Mooney VR46 Team last year. In his rookie season, Bezzecchi finished 14^th in the standings. His best result of the season came in Assen with a second-place finish in his rookie season.

VR46 will celebrate its 10^th season in Grand Prix Championship, after entering Moto3 in 2014. The team had a great first season at Grand Prix level, with riders Romano Fenati and Francesco Bagnaia. Fenati finished fifth position in the 2014 Championship, with the team eventually moving up to Moto2 in 2017 before competing in the premier class.

Team Owner, Valentino Rossi, said: “I expect a great 2023 from the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. Last year we made our debut in MotoGP after so many years in Moto3 and Moto2 and it was a fantastic season. We were fast, even though the Team was a new one. The guys did a great job, fighting for the podium and the front positions on several occasions. 

“This continues to be our goal also for 2023. We have two very fast and more experienced riders, I hope they can make another step forward to get their first victory and conquer as many podiums as possible. 

“Luca is in his third season in MotoGP and I expect a lot from him. He has made great steps forward in 2022, he has grown a lot and has come close to the podium several times: he deserved it.

“In the testing sessions he was very fast and he is competitive. Marco can do well too, in his rookie year in MotoGP, which is difficult for everyone, he was very good. He hit the podium in Assen and did many races with the fastest guys till the end. He has to continue like this and can improve to be even faster in his second year in the top class”.

Image credit: motogp.com