Franco Morbidelli showed renewed promise during the recent three-day pre-season test in Sepang, Malaysia, by riding the older Ducati GP25 while most riders switched to the GP26. Despite being the only Ducati rider on the previous year’s model—due to Fermín Aldeguer’s injury and others using the new bike—Morbidelli achieved notable lap times, sparking hope for a strong season. His performance placed him seventh overall and sixth fastest on the final day, less than a second behind leader Alex Márquez.
Improvements and Enhancements Bring Morbidelli Closer to Competitors
Morbidelli highlighted the importance of steady progress during testing, emphasizing the effort invested in adapting to the Ducati’s updates. He remarked,
“These three days have been all about hard work, which is crucial for adapting to the new setup and regaining my rhythm in MotoGP. We improved every day, and that leaves me satisfied,”
demonstrating a clear determination to harness every advantage.
Unlike the previous season, when his GP25 received minimal changes, this year Ducati provided multiple upgrades to narrow the gap with the GP26. Morbidelli shared,
“In my opinion, I’m closer now because last year I received virtually no updates for 2024, but this year I’ve had several enhancements to my bike. That puts me in a much better position,”
reflecting Ducati’s technical support to enhance his competitiveness.
Ongoing Challenges and Competitive Landscape
Despite progress, Morbidelli acknowledged the difficulty of closing the gap with his teammate Di Giannantonio, who qualified third during testing. He explained,
“We’re still working on it because the gap remains at four and a half tenths [compared to his box mate, Di Giannantonio, who placed third]. That’s not where I want to be, so the work continues,”
illustrating his drive to improve further.
In contrast to the common belief that early pre-season times are unreliable predictors, Morbidelli views the Sepang results as revealing. He observed,
“You can definitely assess the grid’s values; just look at the times. The standings reflect reality, and if you consider last year’s Malaysian Grand Prix, those who were at the front are still leading now,”
underlining how the field’s frontrunners have remained consistent.
The Potential Impact of Morbidelli’s Progress This Season
As the 2024 MotoGP season approaches, Morbidelli’s persistence combined with Ducati’s technical advancements could signal a turning point in his career. Riding the upgraded GP25 with an eye on closing performance gaps, he aims to break through and compete alongside MotoGP’s elite. His Sepang test results and continuous bike improvements suggest that a breakout year might be on the horizon, offering fans and the team renewed optimism for the months ahead.
