FRANCO MORBIDELLI TO MISS MOTOGP PRE-SEASON TESTS AFTER HORRIFIC CRASH
Pramac Ducati MotoGP rider Franco Morbidelli will be absent from both the current pre-season test at Sepang and the upcoming one in Qatar. This comes as a result of his devastating crash during road bike testing at Portimao. Witnesses, including brothers Marc and Alex Marquez, described Morbidelli as being “completely unconscious” after his accident on the hill between Turns 8 and 9. He was promptly taken to the hospital, where doctors discovered a small blood clot in his head. Although he has since been discharged, Morbidelli will not be participating in the tests as a precautionary measure.
Morbidelli, who has recently switched to Ducati machinery after five seasons with Yamaha, was initially expected to join the Ducati MotoGP bike for either the entire three-day test at Sepang or at least the final day. However, Pramac has now confirmed that he will not be able to participate in either scenario. Furthermore, he will also miss the Qatar test on February 19-20. Despite being in “general good condition,” the 29-year-old Italian has been advised by neurosurgery specialist Prof. Franco Servadei to refrain from sports activities for the next three weeks. Pramac anticipates Morbidelli’s return to be in the season-opening Qatar Grand Prix on March 8-10.
This means that Morbidelli will face a significant challenge at the Lusail round. Not only will he be riding a Ducati for the first time, but he will also lack the recent Lusail experience that his competitors will have gained during the test. With only a single day on the Desmosedici at Valencia last November, Morbidelli will also have limited overall bike experience. It will truly be a baptism by fire for the talented rider.
MOTOGP’S AERO WAR HEATS UP AS FORMULA 1 STYLE AERO RAKE MAKES APPEARANCE
In other MotoGP news, the ongoing aero war in the sport is set to escalate until 2024. The recent introduction of a Formula 1 style aero rake during testing has caught the attention of fans and riders alike. The visually striking addition is expected to cause unease among many enthusiasts.
JORGE MARTIN AND PEDRO ACOSTA IMPRESS ON OPENING DAY OF MOTOGP TESTING
The collective MotoGP testing at Sepang kicked off with impressive performances from Jorge Martin and Pedro Acosta. The two riders led the way on the first day, showcasing their skills and speed. Meanwhile, Marc Marquez, who recently made the move from Honda to Gresini, finished ninth.
HONDA FACES CHALLENGE TO AVOID BEING THE SLOWEST MOTOGP BIKE
Despite being described as “well-born,” Honda’s new MotoGP machine still has a long way to go to avoid being the slowest bike on the grid. The team will need to overcome significant obstacles to improve its performance and compete with the other manufacturers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MOTOGP’S FIRST MAJOR TEST OF 2024
The recent three-day Sepang shakedown provided several key takeaways for MotoGP fans. Rookie sensation Pedro Acosta impressed with his performance, alongside the Honda and Yamaha riders. The test showcased the talent and potential of these riders, making it an exciting start to the season.
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