Gresini’s independent return
Gresini Racing will become an independent MotoGP team once again in 2022 after signing a five-year deal with IRTA.
The team are currently in Moto3 (Kommerling Gresini) and Moto2 (Federal Oil Gresini) but have been a part of the Aprilia MotoGP project since 2014. Both parties will go their separate ways at the end of 2021, with Aprilia becoming a full-factory effort and Gresini Racing relying on their own support as an independent outfit. Whilst no manufacturer has been revealed at this stage, it’s been rumoured that Suzuki are keen to run a satellite team in 2022. Valentino Rossi’s SKY Racing Team VR46 squad have also been linked with a move to the premier class, with Suzuki and Yamaha both potential candidates. Gresini Racing have been present in the premier class since 1997 and has been one of the most successful independent teams. During that time, they amassed 14 wins and 41 podiums, and finished as MotoGP runners-up on three occasions.
A large part of the team’s history was tied up with Honda, a partnership which lasted 18 years. Spaniard Sete Gibernau finished second overall, behind Valentino Rossi, in 2003 and 2004, securing eight victories during that time.
Marco Melandri then took the fight to Rossi in 2005, finishing second overall with two victories to his name. The Italian won three more times with Gresini Racing in 2006. Toni Elias secured the team’s last race win in a dramatic Portuguese Grand Prix at Estoril where he beat Rossi on the run to the line.