Enea Bastianini Brands Morbidelli's Riding 'Dangerous'

Enea Bastianini criticised Franco Morbidelli following an impeding incident during Practice for the 2026 Dutch MotoGP at Assen.

The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider was forced to take avoiding action at Turn 12 while on a flying lap after encountering the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team rider, who was circulating slowly off the pace. The incident was investigated by the FIM stewards, who ultimately handed Morbidelli a three-place grid penalty.

Bastianini argued that the episode was not an isolated case. He believes Morbidelli has repeatedly ridden slowly on the racing line without checking for approaching riders, creating unnecessary risks during qualifying simulations.

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"I'm not really happy about Morbidelli's riding style, and every time when he's slow on the track, it's always like that. He remains on the line without turning his head to see if there are some riders behind him. I hope to see a different Franco in the future, because like this, it's dangerous," said Bastianini.

Despite losing a flying lap because of the incident, Bastianini still secured direct passage into Q2. Morbidelli, meanwhile, narrowly missed the top 10 and will serve his three-place grid penalty in Sunday's Grand Prix after being found guilty of impeding.

The incident once again highlights MotoGP's increased scrutiny of slow riding offences. Morbidelli has faced criticism over similar on-track situations in previous seasons, with the Assen decision reinforcing the stewards' stricter approach to riders obstructing others during practice and qualifying sessions.