PICTURES: VR46 unveils striking US MotoGP livery on New York skyscraper
Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli unveil this special US MotoGP livery in New York.
VR46 riders Fabio di Giannantonio and Franco Morbidelli have unveiled a special livery for this Sunday’s US MotoGP at COTA.
Fresh from a pole and podium in Brazil with di Giannantonio, the team unwrapped their special colours on the Edge Skydeck in Hudson Yards, one of the highest skyscrapers in New York City.
The Pop Art style livery, by Aldo Drudi, features ‘scenes and symbols of the United States, such as the National Flag and the Austin Tower – as a tribute to the Circuit of the Americas’.
The VR46 riders will also have special leathers to match the livery, as well as team wear, following last weekend’s special Brazilian theme.
Before heading to COTA, Diggia and Morbidelli attended an NBA game between the New York Knicks and New Orleans Pelicans.
di Giannantonio starts this weekend’s third round of the world championship holding fourth in the points standings, as the leading Ducati rider.
“Austin is one of my favourite tracks, the United States GP is one I love the most in the calendar," said di Giannantonio. "Both the track and the atmosphere are amazing.
"I can’t wait to be at Austin, where we expect to have another great weekend as we had in Brazil. After the double podium in Goiânia, we arrive in the United States with high motivation, also for this special livery, which is beautiful and full of colours.
"We lived a historic and amazing day in New York, with the livery launch at the Edge at Hudson Yards, visiting the NYSE and attending the NBA match. We are so ready.”
Morbidelli, riding the satellite spec bike, is currently tenth, with a best race finish of eighth.
“I am very happy to be back on track right away and to be at Austin, a great track. I still feel the energy of the Brazilian fans, they pushed me and gave me some extra motivation," said Morbidelli.
"Moreover, we will have a special livery for the United States GP, again designed by Aldo Drudi and launched in New York. It was a historic event that could be organized just from this team.
"The day was amazing, and it was my first time in the Big Apple. Now we are more than ready to live the race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.”
di Giannantonio qualified second to Marc Marquez at COTA last season, finishing fourth in the Sprint and then third in the grand prix behind Francesco Bagnaia and Alex Marquez.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
