Franco Morbidelli Shares His Sentiments on Returning to Portimao Following His Recent Accident.
Franco Morbidelli returns to Portimao this weekend, the site of his concerning crash during the preseason.
In January, Morbidelli lost control of a Panigale V4S at the Portuguese track and was hospitalized after being knocked unconscious.
This incident led to his absence from the entire MotoGP preseason testing, forcing him to treat the season-opening round in Qatar as a learning opportunity on his Ducati.
As the second round of the 2024 season, this weekend’s Portuguese MotoGP presents Morbidelli with another opportunity to acclimate to his new Pramac Ducati team.
“There is no negativity in approaching this track,” Morbidelli remarked when recalling his recent crash.
“Firstly, this track is stunning.
“Yes, I had an accident. A serious one. But it was such a peculiar accident.
“An incident that is unlikely to repeat. Technically, it shouldn’t affect my mindset.”
“It was a rare occurrence, difficult to replicate.
“Moreover, I am doing what I love the most.
“There’s nothing hindering my pace at this circuit.”
Morbidelli’s physical recovery from the January crash is now mostly complete, allowing him to step up his progress on the GP24, albeit starting later than his MotoGP counterparts.
Regarding the upcoming Portimao race weekend, Morbidelli commented, “We will continue our adaptation to the new bike, but with much more confidence compared to Qatar.
“I had a normal couple of weeks back home, with the chance to ride bikes. My confidence has significantly increased.
“We approach this weekend knowing there’s ground to make up.
“The difference now is that I had two normal weeks at home, as opposed to the recovery weeks after the accident leading up to the first race.
“I had no testing at all. Everything during that period was…”
Reflecting on the past two weeks since Qatar, Morbidelli mentioned, “I was eager to resume normal training as soon as possible. I felt good.
“My body responded well, which I’m really pleased about.”
Asked about his initial impressions of the GP24, the same bike that Pecco Bagnaia won the Qatar MotoGP with and his teammate Jorge Martin triumphed in the sprint race, Morbidelli replied, “It demands a fast approach!
“Pecco and Jorge are riding it faster than any other Ducati. That’s the way to handle it.”
Morbidelli enters the Portuguese MotoGP amidst news of Ducati signing Fermin Aldeguer for 2025.
While it’s anticipated, it’s yet to be confirmed that Aldeguer will join the Pramac team.
Martin’s future seems likely to be elsewhere, either at the factory Ducati team or with another manufacturer.
Stay tuned with We4GP for more news.
