Franco Morbidelli has stood firm in defending his aggressive overtaking approach at the Indonesian MotoGP, emphasizing that he is now cautious to stay within the boundaries set by Simon Crafar, head of the FIM Stewards. Following earlier incidents this season and a strict warning from race officials, Morbidelli insists his style remains intense yet controlled.
Warnings and Penalties Shaping Morbidelli’s Racing Conduct
After multiple incidents during the season, including a collision with Jorge Martin that led to a long lap penalty at Catalunya, the Stewards made it clear to Morbidelli that any further infringements would be met with harsher sanctions. Pablo Nieto, VR46 team manager, stressed at Misano that:
The Stewards decided the next time he makes something, he will have a ride-through,
Pablo Nieto, VR46 team manager
Since then, Morbidelli has managed to avoid additional penalties, but his riding style has drawn criticism from fellow riders. His teammate Fabio di Giannantonio voiced frustration after the Mandalika Sprint, saying:
Unfortunately, my team-mate ruined again one of my races with stupid overtakes.
Fabio di Giannantonio, Rider
Jack Miller from Pramac Yamaha also expressed concern following the Grand Prix, recalling a near-dangerous moment late in the race:
With three laps to go, Morbidelli came to pass me between turns 11 and 12. We didn‘t make contact only because, when I closed the throttle, I heard a bike coming on the inside – and I moved slightly off line, and the next time I put the bike down on the left-hand side, I crashed.
Jack Miller, Pramac Yamaha Rider
Morbidelli Acknowledges Close Oversight of His Overtaking
Speaking at length about his approach, Morbidelli highlighted that Simon Crafar’s consistent monitoring and advice guide how he executes overtakes, aiming to balance aggression with safety. He shared his respect for Crafar’s role in maintaining order on track:
This is a really interesting matter. I heard some complaints about my overtaking yesterday and today. But I have to say that Simon [Crafar] is big time on it,
Franco Morbidelli, Rider
“I mean, he is controlling my overtaking in a very clinical way. And we’ve been talking a lot about my overtaking. And I relate myself to Simon’s judgement.
I always respect Simon’s judgement. And everybody should do that. Everybody should relate to Simon’s judgement. Which is really, really fair, consistent and well explained.
Franco Morbidelli, Rider
Morbidelli’s acknowledgment reflects a willingness to conform to regulations while retaining his competitive edge.
Determined to Race Aggressively Without Crossing the Line
Morbidelli admitted his inherent racing style remains fierce, attacking opportunities whenever they arise, though he clarified that mistakes are unintentional and never malicious. He said:
“Even though we all know I’m a fierce rider, I attack whenever I can. Sometimes I do mistakes, yes. But I’m never malicious.
“And this year I had my time in the office with Simon. We spoke a lot. He spoke a lot to me. He made me understand how an overtaking should be brought to a rider. And how an overtaking should be brought in such a MotoGP.
“So in such a difficult category, anyway, if you want to do an overtaking. If you feel you can do an overtaking, you’ve got to do it. For sure, without putting the other rider at risk. Without touching the other rider. Without forcing the other rider to go off track. Without being dangerous. And that’s the limit.
And that’s the limit I’m always trying to respect. And that’s the limit that Simon always makes the rider respect. And he’s done that in a really good way this year. So we should all relate to Simon’s judgement.
Franco Morbidelli, Rider
This explanation outlines his method of balancing assertiveness with safety in a highly competitive sport.
Praise for the Stewardship of Simon Crafar
Morbidelli also commended Simon Crafar’s handling of race safety and penalties, recognizing the fairness and clarity behind the steward’s decisions. He described Crafar as a crucial figure in regulating overtaking behaviors during the season:
“So what I think is that we have a great referee. Let’s call him [that]. We have a great referee. I spoke with him many times. And I paid his countermeasures [penalties] quite sometimes this year.
“And I have to say that every countermeasure he took was right. And I have to say we spoke a lot. And I have to say he explained to me a lot.
I’ve changed my way of being the same – anyway, fierce – but totally inside Simon’s judgement. So I don’t see… the point of complaining so much.
Franco Morbidelli, Rider
His comments suggest a strong respect for the structured system that governs the sport and his effort to adapt accordingly.
Ongoing Championship Rivalry and Future Rounds
Currently, Morbidelli is engaged in a closely contested fight for fifth place in the world championship standings with teammate Fabio di Giannantonio and KTM’s Pedro Acosta separating them with just four races left in the season. This battle adds intensity to each remaining event, where overtaking tactics and adherence to rules will continue to carry significant weight.
The conflict between Morbidelli’s fierce style and race steward oversight underscores the delicate balance required in MotoGP between aggressive competition and rider safety, a dynamic that will remain closely watched as the championship unfolds.
