At the Sepang circuit, Franco Morbidelli stood as the lone Ducati satellite team rider after Fermin Aldeguer suffered an injury. Contrary to expectations that he would race on the newer GP25 model, Morbidelli took to the track on a machine shrouded in mystery, blending various elements from Ducati’s previous bikes. This intriguing choice sparked questions about Ducati’s strategy as the season unfolds.
Unraveling the Mystery Behind Morbidelli’s Bike
While the GP25 has helped Marc Marquez improve his performance, it has unsettled riders Francesco Bagnaia and Fabio Di Giannantonio. This situation has led to speculation on why Ducati would not revert to the supposedly more adaptable GP24—especially as the final year for the 1000 cc engines approaches. Matteo Flamigni, Morbidelli’s chief mechanic, fueled intrigue earlier by stating,
“Franco will keep last year’s bike.”
Meanwhile, the VR46 team offered guarded comments:
“It’s pointless to discuss numbers; it will be the best non-factory model.”
Morbidelli himself added complexity to the story when denying that he was riding a GP25:
“I wouldn’t call my bike a GP25. I don’t know who told you I was using a GP25.”
When asked if it was a GP24, he hinted at its hybrid nature:
“As I said the other day, it’s a mix of elements that all Ducati riders preferred.”
With some irony, he remarked,
“I don’t know if it’s correct to call it a GP25, GP26, GP24.2, GP24.9, or something else.”
Ducati’s Custom Approach to Rider Preferences
Ducati’s reputation for advanced engineering shines through in Morbidelli’s tailored machine, which blends strengths from multiple models to suit his style. Morbidelli emphasized this uniqueness:
“Ducati is such a capable manufacturer that it can provide riders with whatever they desire. So don’t think my bike is… the one that Pecco didn’t like last year.”
This bespoke approach has shown promising results. Morbidelli achieved seventh place in the combined testing standings and posted the second-fastest time on the second day. Reflecting on his progress, he said,
“If I were to share my feelings, I’d say I was actually faster than during last year’s race weekend.”
However, he remains aware of room to grow, adding,
“The gap to Alex is still a bit too much, four and a half tenths,”
with Alex Marquez continuing to set the pace.
Looking Ahead: Ducati’s Plans Amid Engine Changes
As the MotoGP world prepares for the 2027 shift to 850 cc engines, Ducati appears focused on refining dependable platforms rather than taking radical leaps. Morbidelli seems confident in this direction, commenting,
“The speed is good, and the sensations, which are even more important, are positive.”
With the next test scheduled at Buriram on February 21 and 22, many are eager to see if Morbidelli’s enigmatic ‘GP24.9’ will prove a temporary fix or the breakthrough solution that Ducati’s factory rider Bagnaia has sought. This development could have a significant impact on Ducati’s competitiveness and the overall dynamics of the MotoGP season.
