Another MotoGP season brings another Ducati prototype reveal, but Franco Morbidelli has decided to stick with his trusty GP24.
As one of the few riders in the Ducati stable without factory support for the upcoming MotoGP season, Franco Morbidelli The choice of bike is between two candidates: the GP24 or the popular GP25.
The 2025-spec Ducati prototype made its name during last year’s campaign, for the opposite reasons.
On the one hand, Mark Marquez He has full control over the grid on it, but on the other hand, Francesco Bagnaia fell ill while fighting hard to catch him.
Fabio Di Giannantonio shared the same struggles as Bagnaia. While he was on a factory-spec bike last year as well, that led Morbidelli to make a last-minute call to change what prototype he was racing on the next minute.
- Read more: Pablo Nieto reveals VR46 promises for MotoGP after Franco Morbidelli’s ‘special’ warning.
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Franco Morbidelli crew chief has confirmed that the VR46 rider will remain in GP24 in 2026.
During the interview with GPON A few days after the start VR46 Racing’s 2026 MotoGP challenger, Morbidelli team principal Matteo Flamigni has revealed that the Italian rider will not opt ​​to use the modified GP25-spec Ducati bike this season.
Asked if he was concerned about Morbidelli’s move to GP25 for 2026, Flamigni said: “Franco will have last year’s bike so I’ll correct you when Digia has the official bike.”
Asked to explain whether the 31-year-old will continue in GP24, the mechanic said: “Franco will have last year’s bike, which he knows well, the team knows very well.
He has proven to be very competitive with Alex Marquez having won many races so I expect him to do well.
It is understood that Morbidelli will switch to GP25 under normal circumstances with Ducati and their non-factory-supported riders.
Morbidelli submitted a question regarding the GP25 at VR46’s launch, meaning that a U-turn on a switch to the GP25 came during discussions following the event.
Another season at GP24 will mark Morbidelli’s third consecutive year on the 2024-spec bike, having previously raced it in his inaugural year and in 2025.
- Read more: ‘Paddock’ rumors suggest Franco Morbidelli could lose his last saving grace in MotoGP in 2026.
VR46 Franco Morbidelli decided to keep for 2026. Does he deserve a ride?
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Ducati bosses may be furious with Franco Morbidelli’s decision to stick with the GP24.
The decision to stick with two-year-old Ducati machinery may not go down well with returning bosses from Borgo Panigale, who believe the GP25 is superior to its predecessor.
Bagnaia ‘hurt’ Luigi Daliignan with his decision. In the year To return to certain elements of GP24 in the fight for the series in 2025, it would therefore certainly not be good for Morbidelli to exercise his right to skip last year’s bike.
Rumors of the Italian rider’s exit from VR46 have been rife in recent weeks, and if Ducati give their satellite teams any input they want to ride, the decision could hurt Morbidelli’s chances of keeping his seat.
