FRANCO MORBIDELLI CALLS FOR F1-STYLE WARNINGS ABOUT SLOW TRAFFIC IN MOTOGP

Franco Morbidelli says MotoGP should adopt a more Formula 1-style approach to warning riders about slow traffic, after he was hit with a penalty at Misano that he believes could have been avoided with clearer information.

The Pertamina Enduro VR46 Ducati rider received a long lap penalty for impeding Enea Bastianini during practice at the San Marino Grand Prix. The stewards’ paperwork referenced “multiple offences” this season involving similar situations, and Morbidelli was asked by Italian media on Saturday why he keeps ending up on the wrong side of such decisions.

“I’m dumber than the other riders, less savvy in these situations, but this should be a foolproof rule if it’s meant for safety,” Morbidelli said. He added, “If, on the other hand, it’s just for fun, then the dumber you are, the more you pay. We all agree on that.”

Morbidelli’s main argument was that the sport needs better communication when riders are on slower laps and faster competitors are closing in. He pointed to how F1 handles the issue, saying that in his view the system is built around keeping drivers informed about who is behind them and how far away they are.

“When I watch Formula 1, I see that when the drivers are doing their slow laps, which are more frequent than ours, they’re always well-informed about who’s coming up behind them and how far away they are, thanks to the radio,” Morbidelli explained. He also contrasted the practicalities of the two sports: “It makes me smile, because they have mirrors and are on four wheels, while we’re on two wheels and don’t have mirrors: we always have to turn around quickly, ready to get out of the way when someone’s coming.”

He said he agrees with the principle of the rule, but finds it difficult to execute consistently in real time. “I totally agree on this point, but I find it very difficult, precisely because you have to turn around, you’re going fast, and other motorcycles are coming,” he said.

Morbidelli believes MotoGP could reduce the risk by using a combination of information channels rather than relying on riders to constantly check behind them. “You have to keep track of so many things,” he said. “In my opinion, the dashboard message, the radio message, and the blue flags would solve this annoying problem for riders.”

He stressed the frustration of losing track position or race outcome due to an infringement that, in his view, doesn’t necessarily reflect a rider’s performance on the day. “Because it’s frustrating to put in a strong performance and then have to lose qualifying positions or serve a long lap penalty in the race for a violation that doesn’t actually ruin your performance.”

MotoGP is set to introduce a radio system at some point in the future, with its use intended to inform riders of on-track dangers. Morbidelli said it is not yet clear whether the communication would extend to warnings about oncoming riders, but he believes that would be the key element.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s race, Morbidelli suggested the long lap penalty could severely damage his chances of scoring. After struggling to 12th in the sprint, he said the penalty and his typical Grand Prix performance level may leave him outside the points.

“Tomorrow’s race is over: with a long lap and the kind of performance I usually have in the Grand Prix, I don't know if I'll be able to get in the points,” he said.