Uccio Salucci has labelled the Argentine Grand Prix as a 'special day' for the VR46 Racing Team.

Franco Morbidelli had to wait 1414 days for his return to a MotoGP podium after not featuring on the rostrum since the 2021 Spanish Grand Prix.

During the 2025 Argentinian Grand Prix, the Italian returned to the podium after finishing third on his Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team Ducati.

When Morbidelli was signed to the VR46 Racing Team there were many questions asked about Uccio Salucci's decision.

"When we hired him, a lot of people on social media said, 'Why? Morbidelli is finished," Salucci said in an interview with TNT Sports.

Morbidelli benefitted from a soft rear tyre in Argentina as it gave him the edge over his fellow VR46 Academy member Francesco Bagnaia in the early stages of the 25-lap race.

"I asked the guys beforehand if they were sure, and they said 'Yes!'," Salucci explained.

"Termas was a special day for Franco, our team, and for me too. I was very emotional, too; I'd been dreaming about it for six months.

"Franky has been a member of our Academy since 2014 but has never ridden for one of our teams. In Moto2, he already had a deal with Marc VDS, and in MotoGP, he had a contract with Yamaha. Fortunately, he was free then, because his last three years hadn't been very good.

"Franco is like a member of our family – I'm very happy! I told Vale back then that I wanted Morbidelli on the team because I trusted him and I was sure he would finish on the podium again, and it came true."