As the MotoGP season unfolds, riders and fans alike often engage in deep introspection about performance and progress within the intense world of motorcycle racing. Franco Morbidelli’s 2024 campaign stands out as a testimony to resilience, growth, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. Despite not having finished on the podium at any Grand Prix this season while riding what many consider the best bike on the grid—Ducati’s GP24 prototype—Morbidelli expresses a surprisingly optimistic outlook on his journey. It is crucial to delve into the highs and lows that defined his season to understand why he feels this year has been a ‘great year’ for him.
After several challenging seasons with Yamaha’s factory team, Morbidelli made the strategically significant move to join Pramac Racing, teaming up with the talented Jorge Martin. This transition allowed him access to the latest technology through Ducati, creating expectations and excitement for the season ahead. Unfortunately, fate dealt an early blow; a training crash in January robbed him of the opportunity to participate in any official pre-season tests. The setback left Morbidelli in a precarious position, stepping into the opening race of the season in Qatar without any prior experience on his new bike.
The opening rounds of the season presented Morbidelli with a steep learning curve as he gradually acclimatized to the Desmosedici motorcycle’s unique characteristics. His fifth-place finish at the German Grand Prix highlighted the potential he still possessed despite earlier hurdles. Yet, as he reflected on his performance, Morbidelli recognized a gap between his and Martin’s capabilities on similar machinery. The disconnect ultimately led him to finish ninth in the overall championship standings, trailing behind his competitors who were also riding the GP24.
Morbidelli’s reflective nature is commendable, as he places his struggles in context. His tenure at Yamaha had been fraught with difficulties, and his current statement underscores the importance of growth over immediate success. “I am really close to top spots,” he remarked, illustrating that his ambitions remain alive and well. This mentality emphasizes a crucial aspect of racing: the relentless drive for improvement. He aims to capture the victories and podium finishes that have eluded him since 2020, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Throughout the 2024 season, flashes of Morbidelli’s potential were evident despite inconsistency in results. His performance at the Buriram race, where he showcased remarkable speed to climb from 11th to 6th place, was overshadowed by a penalty for an incident with Fabio Quartararo that abruptly halted his progress. Such moments serve as stark reminders of the razor-thin margins in MotoGP, where confidence and composure under pressure can lead to success or disappointment.
As Morbidelli reflects on the season, he acknowledges that there is ample room for improvement. His solitary podium—achieved in a sprint race at Misano—highlights the urgency for him to refine his racecraft. “There are still things to manage well,” he remarked, emphasizing the ongoing evolution of his skills required to translate speed into consistent results. The path forward involves not just the bike but a holistic approach encompassing mental fortitude, strategy, and teamwork.
With a planned move to VR46 in 2025, Morbidelli faces an impending transition that carries its own set of uncertainties and opportunities. Such a change could reinvigorate his career, pressing a restart button on honing his skills further within a new environment. As the MotoGP landscape continues to evolve, Morbidelli’s resilience and relentless pursuit of improvement paint a compelling narrative for the future. While 2024 may not have crowned him with accolades, it undeniably laid the groundwork for potential greatness ahead.