From Fan to Frontrunner: Morbidelli Recalls Humorous Crash During First Ride with MotoGP Icon Valentino Rossi

Franco Morbidelli shares a humorous story from his initial ride alongside Valentino Rossi

Pramac MotoGP racer recounts his first experience on the track with Rossi

Franco Morbidelli admitted to being so awestruck by MotoGP icon Valentino Rossi that he ended up crashing during their first time on the track together.

Pramac Racing's Morbidelli, who was among the first to join Rossi's VR46 Academy, has been part of the initiative since its inception over ten years ago. The academy was established by the nine-time world champion to support and develop upcoming Italian racers.

In 2017, Morbidelli made history within the VR46 Academy by clinching the Moto2 championship, marking the academy's initial world title. He was also the pioneer member to ascend to MotoGP and achieved the distinction of being the first to secure a victory in the premier class.

On MotoGP's podcast before the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix last weekend, Morbidelli shared a humorous story about his initial experience on the track with Rossi.

"Definitely, when I first caught a glimpse of Vale on the track… I recall how I was so taken aback during our initial encounter that I crashed, finding myself on the floor," he mentioned.

"Definitely, as time passes, this feeling diminishes, yet when you're in his presence and you pause to consider what he's capable of, his accomplishments, and how he consistently lives every moment, it's astonishing. So, yes, I still feel it."

Morbidelli's path to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing was not typical; he first made his mark in the European Superstock 600, securing the championship title in 2013, prior to advancing to Moto2 competition in 2014.

Morbidelli explained his initial encounter with Rossi, mentioning, "I was a novice racer, competing on mini bikes."

"My dad, who used to be a cyclist back in the 70s, competed in races around the Pesaro region."

"As circumstances began to escalate and it appeared that I was on the path to becoming a rider, he chose to provide me with the finest setting he had experienced throughout his career."

"We relocated from Rome to Pesaro, a region renowned for nurturing outstanding champions, and in my opinion, the birthplace of the greatest rider of all time."

"After relocating, my father reached out to Graziano Rossi through some connections to see if I could practice with their team."

At the age of 12, I had the opportunity to train alongside [Marco] Simoncelli and Vale. Even at such a young age, I was quite the wild rider, tackling a Yamaha 450 and already proving to be a formidable competitor.

For the inaugural occasion in his career, Morbidelli is set to join Rossi's team in the global championship, transitioning to the VR46 team to pilot the 2024 model Ducati.

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