Marco Bezzecchi will remain with the Mooney VR46 Racing team for the 2024 MotoGP World Championship season after turning down Ducati’s offer of a factory-supplied machine.

Bezzecchi, who joined VR46 Racing in making the step up into the premier class last season, has been arguably the standout of the 2023 MotoGP campaign with four victories - two Sprint and two full-length - lifting him into title contention against Pecco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin.

Consequently, Bezzecchi’s stock within the Ducati fold has risen, prompting the manufacturer to table an offer that would see him upgrade to a 2024-spec Ducati next season, on the condition that he swap to the Pramac Racing team.

However, the Italian has instead opted to remain with the Valentino Rossi-owned outfit, saying he wants to be the one to bring it success.

“I am really happy to confirm that in 2024 I will be on track with the Mooney VR46 Racing Team. This Team has been crucial to my career until now and into the future. 

“I arrived here in 2020, in Moto2, we then landed together in 2022 in MotoGP and this year we had an incredible season so far. Continuing to grow in this working group, with the support of Ducati, is the most natural choice for me.

“2024 brings with it many expectations, but right now I want to focus on this season. We are currently fighting for the podium in the Championship, we have the Team Title open with Luca and I am sure that everyone in the Team will give their all, even more than they have done so far, to achieve these goals. 

“Thanks to Vale, Uccio, Pablo, the VR46 Riders Academy and all those who made this possible. Remaining in the Vale Team is a great motivation as well as a pride."

Pablo Nieto, VR46 Team Manager added: “As a Team Manager, the human aspect of a working group that spends most of the year away from home has always been a crucial aspect to take into consideration.

"Reason that pushed us to do our best to reach this agreement to extend the contract for another year with Marco. A rider who has really impressed from all points of view since his debut in the Top class in 2022.

"The signing of this contract is a source of great pride for me to share with all the people who work in the Team, with Vale, Uccio, Ducati, who will support us as best they can, and our partners who make this possible.

"We continue to work and stay focused: we have two important goals to achieve this season before thinking about 2024.”