Francesco Bagnaia impressed by ‘great’ six-podium rival in MotoGP Sepang Test

Add as preferred source on Google

Ducati bikes were predictably at the top of the times on day two of MotoGP’s Sepang Test. Intriguingly, though, it was the GP24s leading the way, rather than the new models.

Ducati are the only manufacturer on the MotoGP grid who will be running split specifications this year. The factory duo of Francesco Bagnaia and Marc Marquez will naturally be on the latest machinery, as will Fabio di Giannantonio.

Franco Morbidelli finds himself in the unique position of retaining the same bike at VR46. He’s switched over from Pramac, who have split with Ducati and aligned with Yamaha.

Morbidelli partnered the world champion Jorge Martin last season, and will effectively be the number two behind Di Giannantonio this year. However, Diggia is out of the test after a wheelie gone wrong led to a broken collarbone on day one.

His teammate set the pace on Thursday, just over a tenth ahead of Yamaha’s Fabio Quartararo. Gresini’s Alex Marquez was third ahead of the eye-catching rookie Fermin Aldeguer.

Bagnaia was only fifth quickest, while Marquez was down in 14th. The duo may truly show their hand in time-attack runs on the final day.

Francesco Bagnaia praises Franco Morbidelli’s performance in MotoGP testing

Virtually every rider and team member will publicly play down the importance of lap times at this stage. The variety in fuel loads, parts and aggression makes comparisons extremely difficult.

But Bagnaia was still impressed with Morbidelli’s efforts on day two. He thinks it bodes well for the season ahead in new surroundings.

The six-time podium-finisher endured a difficult 2024 campaign after a serious injury in pre-season. He eventually finished 335 points behind Martin in the standings.

Bagnaia and Morbidelli are both graduates of Valentino Rossi’s VR46 academy.

“Franco is doing a great job in these tests and it is also important for him being in a new team,” Bagnaia told GPOne. Being in front on the second day is very positive.”

Franco Morbidelli out to disprove Lance Stroll comparisons at VR46 in 2025

Morbidelli admits he’s struggled with spec changes during his MotoGP career. But he’s more optimistic for this year because he already has a year of experience on the bike.

Ducati’s advantage last season was such that even the GP24 riders can aim for podiums or even victories. Much will depend on the progress made by other manufacturers.

One journalist feels that Morbidelli has become MotoGP’s Lance Stroll because Rossi’s backing protects him. The Aston Martin F1 driver works for his father, the team’s billionaire owner.

Morbidelli may be on a one-year contract, but he’s thought to be little in danger. Still, he’ll want to prove that he’s earned a competitive seat on merit, not just through Rossi.