MotoGP fans, brace yourselves for a shocking revelation: Franco Morbidelli’s struggle with the GP25 Ducati is far from over, and the Thai MotoGP exposed a glaring weakness that could define his season. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many blame the bike’s new package, could Morbidelli’s starting woes be more than just mechanical? Let’s dive in.
The season opener in Thailand was a rollercoaster for Morbidelli, who bluntly described it as “two races in one.” Starting from the outside of the third row, he plummeted to 14th in the Sprint race, a stark reminder of his ongoing battle with poor starts. And this is the part most people miss—his struggles weren’t just about speed; they were about consistency and adaptability under pressure. On Sunday, he dropped to 19th on the opening lap, a position even worse than his Sprint start. “We’ve been struggling quite a lot with the new package for starting,” Morbidelli admitted to MotoGP.com, highlighting the technical hurdles he’s facing.
Yet, the Italian’s resilience shone through. By lap six of the 26-lap race, he began clawing his way back, though he was still only 15th at the halfway mark. “I caught my rhythm and started to recover,” he explained, showcasing his ability to bounce back. His comeback gained momentum in the closing stages, where he outpaced all Ducati riders except Marc Marquez. The climax? A last-lap overtake on factory Ducati rider Francesco Bagnaia to secure eighth place. “The first part of the race wasn’t good, but after that, it became very strong and solid,” Morbidelli reflected.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Morbidelli faced grip issues and rapid tire wear, which he managed admirably. “Overall, it was a weekend of ups and downs,” he noted, emphasizing the need to refine the new package. Here’s the bold question—is the GP25 Ducati’s potential being held back by its complexity, or is Morbidelli still adjusting to its quirks? VR46 team manager Pablo Nieto praised Morbidelli’s comeback but acknowledged the urgent need to improve starts. “We need to try to improve the opening laps,” Nieto stated, setting the tone for their upcoming work.
Looking ahead, the inaugural MotoGP event in Goiania, Brazil, holds special significance for Morbidelli, whose mother is Brazilian. Meanwhile, teammate Fabio di Giannantonio shone as Ducati’s top finisher in Thailand, securing sixth place after Marc Marquez’s late retirement. But here’s the real debate—can Morbidelli turn his starts around before Brazil, or will this weakness continue to haunt him? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is it the bike, the rider, or a bit of both?
With 20 years of paddock experience, Peter has witnessed the rise and fall of legends like Valentino Rossi and the ongoing saga of Suzuki’s exit and Marquez’s injuries. Morbidelli’s journey is just beginning, but one thing’s clear: his ability to adapt will determine whether he thrives or merely survives in this high-stakes season.
