P1racenews AI automatic summary:
He suffered a miserable pre-season and is one of only three riders without a point in 2024 so far, but there’s been promising signs for Franco Morbidelli so far
Due to his unique off-season circumstances, Franco Morbidelli’s MotoGP status is currently quite contradictory. While he is already under scrutiny for his future beyond 2024, with the rider market buzzing, one of the seats in his Pramac team has been filled by rising star Fermin Aldeguer. The other seat is open and could be a rational choice for top riders missing out on other opportunities. On the flip side, Morbidelli seems to have received a substantial upgrade in machinery for the 2024 season, possibly one of the biggest in MotoGP. The main question surrounding Morbidelli this season has been how effectively he can utilize this elite machine, especially after an injury during pre-season testing put him at a disadvantage in the opening races. Despite initial struggles, signs of promise emerged at the Portimao Grand Prix, showcasing a potential boost in Ducati’s MotoGP squad. Morbidelli’s confidence grew throughout the weekend, leading to a noticeably improved performance, indicating a positive trajectory moving forward.
