MotoGP, Thailand Test Day 2, Franco Morbidelli (Ducati/7): "We're here!"

Last of the Ducati factory riders at Sepang and Buriram, Franco Morbidely is nevertheless very satisfied with his pre-season test MotoGP in Thailand!

After leaving Malaysia in 6th position, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rider attacked the first day of testing on the Chang International Circuit with a certain degree of confidence.

Continuing in Buriram the work on the settings begun during the Sepang test on his GP25, number 21 achieved a solid "Day 1" despite very high temperatures, finishing the first day in third position, in 1'29.451 at the end of the 59 laps completed.

Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive day; we tried to adapt the setup to this circuit. We compared different electronic and chassis solutions, and it went well. We were able to adapt effectively to the track and the different tires. I like the new aerodynamic package, which is a little different in some areas. The plan for tomorrow is to continue working on the setup and do a race simulation. We'll also try some timed runs in the morning. I feel good, I'm looking forward to the season starting, we're fast. The test is off to a good start, and that gives me even more motivation and confidence for the beginning of the season.”

On Sunday, “Franky” slightly improved his best time, to 1'29”071, which meant 7th place in both the combined standings for the day and the overall standings over the two days, before making three short runs in the afternoon, without it really being possible to call this a race simulation (5, 3 and 6 laps).

Nevertheless, the Roman seems to have found his feet and keeps praising the qualities of his new mount.

Franco Morbidelli: “It was a positive pre-season: we worked very well during these five days of testing, clarifying many points. At Buriram, we understood a few more things about the new bike, which is a bit smoother, faster, and more performant in a straight line, while also offering more comfort. We were able to improve the feeling step by step as the days went by. On this circuit, I was four tenths of a second faster than last year, which is positive. For the start of the season, we can be competitive; we had good speed, even if the rivals were fast. But we're here!”