Franco Morbidelli finished sixth overall at the conclusion of the initial MotoGP 2026 test sessions, holding a cautiously optimistic outlook on his performance. Representing the VR46 team, Morbidelli successfully completed his planned program, concentrating on adapting to the new enhancements on his 2025 Ducati.
Adjusting to the New Ducati Package Amid Team Differences
Throughout the three-day testing period, Morbidelli dedicated himself to understanding the bike’s updates and maintaining a consistent improvement pace. He explained,
“For me, it’s a positive outcome. It’s been three days of intense work. Exactly what it takes to best adapt to the new package and the pace of the MotoGP. The improvements have been consistent, so I’m happy,”
the Rome native remarked.
Despite his teammates using the newer GP26 model, Morbidelli remained focused on his own setup. Addressing the bike difference, he said,
“No, I just did what I had to do, trying to improve according to my feelings. Of course, I kept an eye on the other Ducatis because, since they’re different bikes than mine, they manage to be faster in some areas where I’m slower and where I can, therefore, improve.”
Comparing Performance With Factory Riders and Competitors
Morbidelli senses his performance gap with the factory riders has narrowed with the updates. Reflecting on last season, he noted,
“In my opinion, yes. Last year, compared to 2024, I didn’t receive any updates. This time I did.”
When asked about the ranking’s predictive value after just one test, Morbidelli observed the consistency, listing the top riders:
“Certainly. First Marquez, second Bezzecchi, third Giannantonio, fourth Marc Marquez, fifth Bagnaia. Actually, fifth Mir, sixth Pecco, and seventh me.”
He further emphasized the correlation between lap times and actual race positions:
“The times reflect the numbers on the field. Always. If you look at the order of arrival of the last edition of the Sepang GP, nothing has changed. All those who were ahead before are still ahead now.”
Addressing Challenges and Next Steps to Close Performance Gap
Despite progress, Morbidelli acknowledged ongoing challenges, indicating the team is actively working to reduce the performance deficit.
“We’re working on it. The gap is four-tenths of a second, and that’s not what I’d like to have. So we have to get moving,”
he admitted.
These initial test outcomes reflect both Morbidelli’s steady adaptation and the competitive nature of the MotoGP field, with clear areas identified for improvement as the season approaches. Continued development efforts will be critical for closing gaps with leading riders such as Marc Marquez, Bagnaia, and Bezzecchi, signaling intense competition ahead.
