P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Morbidelli couldn’t find a way past team-mate Di Giannantonio in Misano sprint
VR46 Ducati MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli emphasized that his warnings about stiffer penalties were not meant as an excuse for finishing behind his teammate Fabio Di Giannantonio in the Misano sprint. Leading up to the San Marino Grand Prix, Morbidelli received an ultimatum from the FIM stewards to improve his behavior on track or face more severe consequences. If Morbidelli is involved in any incidents deemed his fault during this weekend’s race or onward, he will receive a ride-through penalty. In case of a repeat offense, he could even face a race ban, following various incidents in 2025. Despite his penalty situation, Morbidelli acknowledged the need to adjust his racing approach to be less aggressive, which might benefit his competitors. During the Misano sprint, Morbidelli cited a lack of pace rather than caution as the reason he didn’t overtake Di Giannantonio, stressing that he felt comfortable and confident on his bike. As Morbidelli prepares to start from fifth on the grid in Sunday’s race, it’s clear that he remains focused on finding the right balance between competitiveness and responsibility on track.
