Franco Morbidelli eyes strong Argentina GP after best MotoGP start

Franco Morbidelli aims to build on Thai GP momentum as he returns to Termas de Rio Hondo.

Franco Morbidelli of Italy and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rides during the qualifying session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on March 1, 2025. Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Franco Morbidelli’s fourth-place finish at the Thai Grand Prix marked his strongest-ever start to a MotoGP season. The VR46 Ducati rider surpassed his previous best opening-round result, which was fifth place at Jerez in 2020 while racing for Petronas Yamaha. That season saw him claim three victories and finish as the championship runner-up.

His performance in Buriram was also his best MotoGP result in any race since finishing fourth at the Argentina GP in 2023. Now, he returns to Termas de Rio Hondo looking to continue his momentum in the second round of the 2025 season.

Morbidelli confident ahead of Argentina GP

Reflecting on his performance in Thailand, Morbidelli expressed satisfaction with his progress and teamwork within the VR46 Ducati setup.

“We arrived at this second GP of the year satisfied with the job done in Thailand,” he said. “Personally, it was one of my best races in the last few years.”

Morbidelli emphasized the importance of maintaining the team’s positive momentum as they head to Argentina.

“The team and I are working really well together, and we need to keep that momentum going,” he added.

The Italian-Brazilian rider is particularly excited about returning to Termas de Rio Hondo, a circuit he enjoys.

“South America is amazing, and Termas is a place that I love,” he said. “I’m happy to be back after missing the race last year.”

Morbidelli identified qualifying as a key area for improvement, as a better starting position could enhance his race-day performance.

“We will try to do the best job we can, and one of the key points to improve the final result will be to start further up on the grid,” he noted.

Penalty setback in Thailand GP

Despite securing sixth place in qualifying at Buriram, Morbidelli was handed a three-place grid penalty for obstructing reigning champion Francesco Bagnaia during his final time attack. As a result, he started further back than expected, making his fourth-place finish even more impressive.

Meanwhile, his VR46 Ducati teammate, Fabio di Giannantonio, finished tenth in Thailand. The Italian was still recovering from a fractured collarbone sustained at Sepang and had also lost valuable preseason testing time.

Di Giannantonio still recovering but optimistic

Di Giannantonio, also known as “Diggia,” provided an update on his recovery ahead of the Argentina GP.

“I’m feeling much better now compared to when I went to Thailand,” he said. “I’ve had a few more days to recover from the surgery and start doing some light training with my shoulder.”

Although not yet at full strength, he remains optimistic about his chances at Termas de Rio Hondo.

“The Argentina GP will definitely be challenging since I’m not yet at 100%, but after the results from the first race, I’m really excited to get back on the bike,” he said.

The VR46 Ducati rider is particularly fond of the Termas circuit and believes the team’s bike has strong potential for the race weekend.

“I’m looking forward to returning to Termas de Rio Hondo – it’s an amazing track where I’ve always enjoyed racing,” he added. “Our bike has great potential, and the team and I are ready to give it our all.”

Di Giannantonio eyes full fitness by Qatar GP

Di Giannantonio has faced a series of injuries over the past months. He underwent major surgery on his left shoulder late last season before fracturing his collarbone in February.

Asked about when he expects to be back to full fitness, he estimated that it could take until the Qatar GP in April.

“To be at 100% in terms of zero pain or zero aching in the shoulder, and also having top form physically, we have to wait until maybe Qatar,” he said.

The Italian and his team are focused on ensuring he reaches peak condition for round four of the season.

“So my mentality and also the mentality of the team is to arrive in Qatar fully fit,” he explained. “Until then, we will keep improving step by step.”

The Qatar GP, scheduled for April 11-13, will mark the fourth round of the 2025 MotoGP season.

With Morbidelli riding high on confidence and Di Giannantonio making steady progress in his recovery, the VR46 Ducati squad heads into the Argentina GP aiming for another strong performance.