Franco Morbidelli has made a strong case for being back in the MotoGP spotlight after securing a remarkable podium finish in Argentina. Following a tough start to the Termas de Río Hondo weekend, Morbidelli and his VR46 team managed to turn things around impressively. Qualifying eighth, he climbed to seventh in the Sprint race and delivered an aggressive and confident performance in the grand prix, overtaking double world champion Pecco Bagnaia for third place and holding him off until the chequered flag. It marked Morbidelli’s first podium since 2021, bringing a sense of revival to the former title contender.
Speaking about the race, Morbidelli praised his team’s efforts and his own confidence in the early stages. He noted how they improved the bike across the weekend and were able to compete with the front runners. His performance not only showcased his racecraft but also his renewed comfort with the VR46 Ducati package. The result raised questions about whether he can become a consistent challenger to frontrunners like Marc and Alex Marquez.
Looking ahead to the Americas GP at COTA, Morbidelli remains cautious but optimistic. He acknowledged the challenge of competing with Marc Marquez, who is in dominant form, and Alex, who has also been performing well. While he didn’t make bold claims, he hinted at a desire to maintain momentum and continue improving. If he can replicate his Argentina form, he may indeed become a regular threat to the Marquez brothers.
In between races, Morbidelli made a sentimental trip to Brazil, visiting the Ayrton Senna International Circuit in Goiania—a track set to host a MotoGP round in 2026. With Brazilian roots on his mother’s side, Morbidelli spoke fondly of the country, its people, and their passion for motorsport. The visit served as both a personal and professional recharge after his podium success.
Morbidelli and his teammate Fabio di Giannantonio will also be racing in a special livery at COTA, adding extra flair to what could be another pivotal weekend for the Italian rider. Whether or not he can sustain this level of performance remains to be seen, but for now, Morbidelli has certainly put his name back in the conversation.
