Franco Morbidelli is facing a very important season for his career. MotoGP will change face in 2027, the rider lineup will be very different, and there is a real risk that some big names in the paddock will be left without a ride. Morbido will be in his ninth season in MotoGP, his third riding a Ducati. To aim to remain in the paddock, he will undoubtedly have to get off to a good start right away, starting with the Sepang tests and the first races of 2026, which will be really complicated for many riders.
Tomorrow, activity on the track resumes, but today Franco met with journalists in Sepang, and among the topics discussed was the name of his bike. It's a Ducati GP, okay. But GP what? It can't be called a GP25 because it has a 2024 chassis. It's not a GP24, because it has parts from the 25. Remember our video interview with Matteo Flamigni? In the end, the journalists suggested a GPFranco, which could satisfy everyone.
How did you spend this winter?
"I was with my family and friends, I had a great winter and I'm ready to start again. The two days of training on the Mandalika track with the Panigale were useful, it's a track that allows you to train well. It was excellent preparation for these tests and for the start of the championship."
Do you know your test program here in Sepang?
"The program for these tests, at least for the first day, will be to try a type of tyre that we don't usually use here at Sepang. But this applies to everyone, because that's how the allocation is done. The first day will be all about regaining confidence with the MotoGP bike, which is different from the Panigale and any other bike. On the other two days, we'll try to get a better understanding of this new bike, and we'll try to complete the work in areas where we know we need to improve. We have to work on our basic aspects to improve."
What bike will you have available?
"My package is a combination of all the parts that the riders who have the opportunity to develop the Ducati have preferred. So they were put together on the 2024 chassis, and my bike was created. I'll leave it up to you to decide what number to put on it after the GP. That's your job. GPFranco? That's fine. I'm very confident and I want to get on it and try it out, because there are some differences compared to my bike from last year, and I can't wait to use it."
Why did you choose the 2024 chassis?
"The 2024 chassis is the one I like best, and Pecco has also talked about it a lot. If I find the 2025 chassis in the garage, maybe I'll try it, why not?"
Bezzecchi's two-year contract with Aprilia was recently made official.
"Bezzecchi was very strong in 2025, after Mugello he became really strong. One of the top three in the category. He believes strongly in the Aprilia project, they found each other because together they returned to being strong and winning races. Neither of them were having a very positive time when they met, but together they managed to explode. I think it's the right thing to do, the renewal is spot on."
And what about you?
"As far as I'm concerned, it's more important to stay focused on the track and my work and leave this kind of work to the people who do it for me, the VR46 team, who have done a fantastic job over the years. I'll leave my future to them, and I'll focus on naming the GP I'll be riding and understanding it as best I can."
What do you think needs to be done to secure a seat?
"I don't know what criteria those who really decide these things for the teams use. But surely the first races of this year, or the last ones of the previous year... I honestly don't know what the criteria are. Each team makes the choice it thinks is best, and the first races will be a factor."
So you don't want to think about it at all.
"I'm someone who focuses a lot on riding, especially when I'm at the race weekend or on the track. Maybe at home, if there's time, I also talk about my future with those involved. But when I'm on the track, I only think about the track."