Franco Morbidelli has revealed the vital assistance his team provided to Francesco Bagnaia during a recent MotoGP Bagnaia Morbidelli Test at Misano, which may have played a key part in Bagnaia’s resurgence. According to Alessio Uccio Salucci, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team temporarily lent Bagnaia one of Morbidelli’s Desmosedici GP24 motorcycles, an uncommon move that could influence Bagnaia’s path to recovery in the championship.
This collaboration occurred amid a difficult Friday session at Mandalika, where Morbidelli himself struggled, finishing 12th in pre-qualifying. Despite these challenges, the gesture underscores the team’s support for Bagnaia as he prepared for the upcoming race in Motegi.
Morbidelli Confirms Lending His Bike to Bagnaia Was a Team Decision
Morbidelli addressed the bike loan openly, acknowledging the role it played during testing.
Lending my bike to Pecco? It was fine,
he said.
Ducati asked us to do it, and we provided all our resources and support as best we could. It wasn’t a big issue.
This statement highlights the camaraderie within the team and a strategic intent to reinforce Bagnaia’s confidence regarding the performance issues he had been reporting with the GP24.
Test Feedback Was Key to Bagnaia’s Progress, Says Morbidelli
Morbidelli emphasized the significance of confirming Bagnaia’s impressions of the motorcycle.
I think Pecco needed confirmation on the feedback he was giving, regarding how the GP24 felt in general,
he explained.
That’s what he needed, and we were happy to help.
Nevertheless, Morbidelli refrained from revealing specific details about Bagnaia’s evaluation of the Desmosedici, stating,
Did he give feedback on the bike? Sure. What did he say? You should ask him. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, I won’t either—I know how the bike performs, but I have no comparison to make.
Challenging Conditions Mark First Day at Mandalika, Adding to Race Weekend Drama
Morbidelli pointed out the difficult track conditions during the opening day in Mandalika, which took a toll on many riders.
The conditions were really complicated. It was challenging to use and warm up the tires. But I’d say that was the case for many riders. We saw a lot of crashes,
he said, reflecting the unpredictable and harsh environment that has already affected the race weekend’s narrative.
Anticipation Builds for Intense Ducati Rivalry in Qualifying Sessions
Looking ahead, Morbidelli hinted at an intense competition brewing among Ducati riders during the upcoming qualifying rounds, dubbing the event a “Ducati Battle Royale.”
It’s going to be a very lively Q1, full of great riders, so it will be tough. Yes, it looks like a Ducati Battle Royale,
he remarked, setting expectations for a fiercely contested qualifying that could shape the race prospects significantly.
Implications for Bagnaia and the Ducati Team’s Future in MotoGP
This unexpected support from Morbidelli and his team could prove pivotal for Bagnaia’s confidence and performance returning to the track, especially after recent struggles. The collaboration may also signal growing teamwork within Ducati’s ranks as they pursue championship success. With difficult track conditions impacting early sessions, all riders are pressed to adapt quickly, making the upcoming rounds, especially in Motegi, crucial for standings and momentum.
The unfolding competition within Ducati and among all contenders suggests an exhilarating and highly contested conclusion to the MotoGP season, as riders like Bagnaia aim to capitalize on every advantage to restore their winning form.
