Franco Morbidelli

Franco Morbidelli is an Italian MotoGP rider known for his calm personality and exceptionally smooth riding style. As the very first student of the VR46 Riders Academy, Morbidelli has a distinguished history as a Moto2 World Champion and MotoGP runner-up. After navigating several challenging seasons following major injuries, he has now returned to his spiritual home at Valentino Rossi's team, the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, to prove that his competitive edge remains sharp.

Career Journey

• Moto2 Dominance & Stepping Up (2013–2018): Morbidelli made history as the first VR46 rider to become a World Champion after dominating the Moto2 class in the 2017 season with eight victories. He subsequently moved up to MotoGP in 2018 and immediately clinched the Rookie of the Year title, solidifying his potential as a future star.
• Glory with Petronas Yamaha (2019–2020): Morbidelli's peak performance arrived during the 2020 season. Riding an older-spec Yamaha, he remarkably secured three victories and finished the season as the MotoGP World Championship runner-up. This achievement earned him immense respect for his ability to win with a technically inferior package.
• Challenging Times & Ducati Transition (2021–2024): Following a severe knee injury and a difficult stint with the factory Yamaha team, Morbidelli took a significant step to revive his career by switching to Ducati machinery. Joining Pramac Racing in 2024, he began to rediscover his speed despite being hampered by a heavy pre-season crash.
• Returning to Roots at VR46 Racing Team (2025–Present): Entering the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Morbidelli officially joined the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team. Reuniting with the crew and environment that raised him has provided fresh motivation. Riding the Ducati Desmosedici alongside Fabio Di Giannantonio, Morbidelli is focused on returning to the podium and maintaining consistency at the front, while also serving as a mentor to the younger generation in the academy.