Written by Jenna Post, Edited by Umut Yelbaşı
After weeks of ambiguity surrounding Franco Morbidelli’s future in MotoGP, it has now been confirmed that the Italian rider has signed with Pramac Racing for the 2024 season. Following the announcement back in August that Morbidelli would not be continuing with the Yamaha Factory Racing team, his future in the sport was shrouded with uncertainty.
It was not long after that Yamaha announced Alex Rins would replace the VR46 academy rider next year, and that Pramac’s Johann Zarco would leave the Ducati satellite team, taking over Rin’s place at LCR Honda for 2024 – leaving open a seat at the only satellite team that uses factory Ducati machinery.
Rumours then spread that Mooney VR46 rider Marco Bezzecchi would move over to Pramac, though with recent confirmation that Bezzecchi will remain with Valentino Rossi’s team for 2024, all eyes shifted over to Morbidelli as being the next rider to jump on what is currently the best bike on the grid.
The 28-year-old Morbidelli has spent nearly five years with Yamaha across both their satellite and factory teams. In that time he secured three race wins and three podiums, and finished the 2020 world championship in second place.
Morbidelli’s move to Ducati will mark his third manufacturer he will ride for in his MotoGP career, having also raced for Honda back in 2018 when he made his debut in the sport. Morbidelli will have Spanish rider Jorge Martin as his teammate, who has raced with Pramac since his own MotoGP debut back in 2021.
Paolo Campinoti - Prima Pramac Racing Team Principal, quoted
"I am very happy that Franco is joining our family for 2024. I have an excellent relationship with him, and he has proven to be a champion on many occasions. I am confident that in our team, he will find the right conditions to fight for the positions he deserves."
Morbidelli currently sits 12thin the standings with eight rounds remaining in the 2023 season