Franco Morbidelli is seizing the moment as Ducati’s satellite MotoGP riders experience a fleeting opportunity to compete closely with the factory bikes. Determined to capitalize on this narrow window, Morbidelli has shown impressive performance, holding onto the small gap separating his GP24 from the factory GP25s ridden by top contenders like Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio di Giannantonio. Riding the year-old GP24, Morbidelli led 15 laps at the Qatar Grand Prix, clinching a double podium finish at Lusail. His efforts have placed him fourth in the world championship standings, splitting the factory-spec GP25 bikes.
The upcoming Jerez test, immediately following the Spanish Grand Prix weekend, promises a wave of upgrades for factory riders, which may widen the gap between them and their satellite counterparts. Morbidelli acknowledges the significance of this moment, expressing, “Definitely… We should exploit the very little gap that there is at the moment between our bike and the factory bikes.” He emphasizes that the current closeness in performance must be maximized.
With the potential forthcoming improvements of the GP25, particularly after the Jerez testing, a more significant division could arise by the following Le Mans round. It’s anticipated that riders like Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and di Giannantonio will become increasingly formidable. For Morbidelli and the other satellite Ducati riders, the present offers a crucial period to secure strong results.
Reflecting on his previous performance, Morbidelli expressed optimism regarding the Jerez venue: “I’m looking forward to going to Jerez following the great weekend in Qatar with two third places.” The track holds personal significance, as it marked one of the stages where he began showing increased speed. Despite last year’s Grand Prix ending in a crash, he was close to the podium during the Sprint. Jerez is also where he last stood on a Yamaha podium in 2021.
Morbidelli is eager to continue his momentum, striving for his first consecutive Grand Prix podiums since 2020. “We showed a good rhythm so far, and we have to keep going like this,” he noted. His performance thus far underscores his determination to exploit this rare parity with the manufacturer riders.
As Morbidelli and his peers push forward, the outcome of the Jerez test and subsequent races will likely redefine the competitive landscape. By making the most of the existing opportunities, Morbidelli intends to secure his place among the top contenders, ensuring a thrilling season for fans and competitors alike.
