MotoGP: Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini unveil 2021 Avintia Ducati liveries

Luca Marini and Enea Bastianini have unveiled Avintia Esponsorama Racing’s new-look 2021 MotoGP liveries.

The satellite Ducati team, entering its 10th premier class campaign, unveiled its 2021 line-ups during a live Instagram presentation on Friday evening. Alongside its MotoGP riders, Moto3 riders Carlos Tatay and Niccolo Antonelli were also present, as were MotoE’s Xavier Cardelus and Andre Pires.

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Despite racing for the Avintia squad, Marini will continue to run in the traditional SKY Racing Team VR46 livery. The Italian, Valentino Rossi’s half-brother and VR46 Academy member, has spent the last three Moto2 campaigns with the Team VR46 squad.

The VR46 squad has been linked with a full takeover of the team ahead of the 2022 season, with the entire grid’s contracts with Dorna coming to an end this year. Marini will also have Team VR46 team members working alongside him this season.

Marini finished second overall to his new teammate last season, picking up three victories and three further podiums along the way. Overall, Marini has three more Moto2 victories to his name, and six further podiums.

“I can’t wait to start this new season with the Sky VR46 Avintia: It has been difficult to wait all these months without being able to test the Ducati at the end of November as in a normal season,” Marini said. “I’ve spent the whole winter wondering what the first day of testing would be like. With the support of the Academy, I am training very hard to be physically and mentally ready. There will be many things to learn and discover, I will work concentrated to grow and adapt to the new category as quickly as possible and obtain results that are better and better.

“Although at the same time I want to enjoy my first year in MotoGP: It will be a special moment in my life. I would like to thank Ducati and Sky Racing Team VR46 for their trust, and to be able to return that trust placed in me with my potential, hoping that our relationship will develop in the best way in the years to come.”

Bastianini moves up to the premier class as the reigning Moto2 world champion and will run a Avintia Esponsorama Racing livery. The 2021 livery is much brighter than its predecessor, with a stunning blue and fluorescent green design. The Avintia name has a much bigger presence this year too, covering the sides of the bike.

“I still couldn’t say that I hope this 2021 season is an important change with a completely new bike for me, I would like to be fast, but obviously I will have to grow throughout the year,” Bastianini said.

“The first races will not be easy, although I hope I can get good results as soon as possible. I honestly can’t wait to start. I want to thank Esponsorama Avintia and Ducati for their trust and support this season.”

Both Marini and Bastianini will have Desmosedici GP19s this year due to the cost-saving engine development freeze. Having become an official Ducati satellite team, rather than a customer outfit, as part of the deal to sign Johann Zarco last season, Avintia will still have some technical support from Ducati.

The 2021 MotoGP season, as it stands, will get underway at Qatar on March 28. The Losail International Circuit will also hold round two the following weekend and will be known as Grand Prix of Qatar.