Franco Morbidelli says he could have won in Thailand without penalty

Franco Morbidelli believes a Thai GP victory was possible if not for a grid drop.

Franco Morbidelli of Italy and Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team gets on his bike next to the garage during the free practice 1 session of the MotoGP Thailand Grand Prix at Buriram International Circuit in Buriram on February 28, 2025. Photo by Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

The VR46 Ducati rider received a three-place grid drop for impeding Pecco Bagnaia during practice, pushing him to ninth on the grid for last Sunday’s season opener in Buriram. Despite the setback, Morbidelli fought back to finish fourth, but he feels a stronger result was within reach had he started higher.

“First was the maximum today, but fourth was the maximum we could do starting from the position we were in after Friday’s mistake,” Morbidelli said after the race.

Morbidelli made an aggressive start, quickly recovering positions in the early laps. However, he admitted that he pushed his tires too hard trying to make up lost ground, which ultimately limited his ability to fight for victory.

Early charge and tire management issues

While Morbidelli initially wanted to use a harder front tire, his team convinced him to opt for the soft compound. In hindsight, he agreed it was the right choice, as it allowed him to overtake several riders early on.

“At the beginning of the race, I could make the passes that I made, which were the only passes we saw throughout the race,” Morbidelli said. “They were risky in these conditions, with the high temperatures and the number of laps riders have on this track. It was very difficult to make those overtakes.”

He eventually caught up to Bagnaia but struggled to maintain his pace after overusing his front tire.

“As soon as I got to Pecco, I made a mistake because I needed to use too much of the front tire to pass the other guys,” he explained. “Then I needed to breathe again because it was very hot, step back, and bring the bike to P4.”

Strengthening his race starts

One of Morbidelli’s biggest weaknesses last season was his sluggish race starts on the Ducati GP24. However, he turned that around in Thailand with an explosive launch off the line.

“We did a great start,” Morbidelli said. “This one, along with last year’s start in Mandalika, was one of the best we’ve had.”

Despite his improved starts, he acknowledged that starting further up the grid would make a major difference in his race results.

“The important thing is to start more in front,” he said. “Today I was ninth, in Mandalika that time I was 11th. I don’t want to do that. I want to start more in front and have strong first laps.”

Ducati praises Morbidelli’s performance

Morbidelli’s strong showing in Thailand earned praise from Ducati’s general manager, Gigi Dall’Igna, who acknowledged the Italian’s determined comeback ride.

“A big smile for Morbidelli too,” Dall’Igna said. “Gritty and battle-hardened, he finished with an admirable fourth place despite the grid penalty, after an exciting comeback.”

With his confidence growing and his racecraft improving, Morbidelli will be eager to fight at the front again in the upcoming rounds.