Pramac rider Franco Morbidelli missed the MotoGP pre-season tests and is back on the Ducati Desmosedici GP24 for the first time at the season opener in Qatar
It is no surprise that Pramac newcomer Franco Morbidelli was the weakest of the eight Ducati riders at the MotoGP season opener in Qatar. Morbidelli missed the entire pre-season due to a practice crash at a trackday in Portimao and was only cleared to take part shortly before the first race weekend
The Italian finished both races outside the points. But good results were not what was on Morbidelli’s to-do list at the season opener in Lusail anyway. It was much more about regaining confidence and getting to know the Ducati Desmosedici GP24.
“I only got the news on Monday that I was allowed to ride here,” said Morbidelli, who experienced difficult times after his practice crash. He was only a spectator at the tests in Sepang and Lusail because he was not given the green light by the doctors.
“I had suffered a concussion. Examinations were carried out to make sure everything was okay and there were no mental problems. That has dominated the past month,” he describes the weeks leading up to the MotoGP season opener.
“It was a challenge to get on the bike after a month without any training. But I was able to take on this challenge thanks to the people at home, the VR46 family, my family and the team,” said Morbidelli, thanking those close to him.
Ducati Desmosedici GP24: Franco Morbidelli recognizes great potential
Morbidelli finished last in qualifying. He finished the sprint on Saturday in 20th position. His gap was large at 23.2 seconds. In the main race, he finished in 18th position and was 24.6 seconds behind.
“I am already faster (than with the Yamaha), but everyone has become faster,” realized Morbidelli after the sprint. “I didn’t push the bike very hard. The same goes for the tires. I still have to shake off my rust. “
“I didn’t ride a MotoGP bike for four months and didn’t ride a bike at all for a month. I felt good and I sensed great potential. The Ducati undoubtedly has an incredibly good package. I’m learning with every stint,” said a delighted Morbidelli.
Four seconds off the points in the Grand Prix
The former World Championship runner-up finished the Grand Prix on Sunday just behind Yamaha successor Alex Rins and GasGas rider Augusto Fernandez. He was just under four seconds off the points.
“I’m really exhausted, but at the same time very grateful that everything went well this weekend,” said Morbidelli. “I felt comfortable on the bike. I was finally able to ride a motorcycle at all. “
“I improved step by step and got closer. But that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is that I’m doing well and that everything is okay with my head. Now we can work on catching up with the top riders,” he says, setting out the objectives for the coming weeks.
The 2024 MotoGP season continues next weekend with the Portuguese Grand Prix in Portimao. How does Morbidelli feel about his return? “I’m looking forward to it because it’s a track that I like. Of course, it’s also the track where I had my crash. But I don’t remember it,” he jokes.
