Barring an incredible turn of events, this season will be Franco Morbidelli's last in MotoGP.The 2017 Moto2 World Champion is no longer at his best, neither mentally nor on the track. Yet, and this will undoubtedly seem incredible in a few years, he did manage a top-three finish in the Sprint during that crazy Saturday race at Jerez, which saw riders crash one after another. Carlo Pernat, the manager who needs no introduction, speaks frankly about Franco Morbidelli, and it stings.
According to Pernat, Morbidelli has lost his grip, especially mentally. « Franky is mentally out of the running for the championship, and not just in terms of driving.It's a shame, because in the past, back in his Yamaha days, he was always at the front. In my opinion, his famous crash at Portimao really affected him. I don't know if he's still suffering the consequences.But something has changed in him, because he's no longer the driver we knew. I remember that a few years ago, He had fought some very good battles with Bastianini, but he ended up being too impulsive and fell » he declared for speedweek.
Indeed, Morbidelli finished as MotoGP world vice-champion in 2020, before suffering a serious injury in 2021, and then again at the beginning of 2024. « It shouldn't be forgotten that he rides for a team with renowned engineers. At VR46, all the engineers are former Valentino Rossi technicians.It's a solid and well-organized team. Franco has the unwavering support of Valentino, who is his friend. But mentally, as they say in Italy, “The chain has been broken for a few years now” » added Carlo Pernat.
In fact, Morbidelli's situation almost makes him feel sorry for him. « I don't like to put it this way, but he's a pilot who may no longer be one.My analysis of Morbidelli's first half of the season is, unfortunately, unsatisfactory. However, I hope that if he wishes to continue racing, he will find a place in the Superbike World Championship » he concluded.
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Photo: Michelin Motorsport