Franco Morbidelli has to find a turning point quickly if he wants to renew his contract with Yamaha which expires at the end of the 2023 MotoGP season.

It is perhaps the most difficult time in career for Franco Morbidelli, vice-champion of the 2020 world. From the beginning of the 2021 championship to today he has only obtained one podium, in 2022 he has managed to place himself in the top ten only once. Paradoxically, the 11th place in the Malaysian GP is a good sign that bodes well for a turning point, considering that he had to serve a double Long Lap Penalty and a three-second penalty after the finish.
The breakthrough will be necessary for the driver of the VR46 Academy, because his contract is due to expire at the end of next year and Yamaha may decide not to renew, given his difficulties on the M1. Franco Morbidelli will have to adapt as soon as possible to a new driving style that is much more aggressive than his clean and elegant way of driving. The character of Iwata’s bike seems to have changed from 2021, getting closer to the needs of the French champion Fabio Quartararo.
Morbidelli and Yamaha, breakthrough or goodbye

In an interview with Speedweek.com, Yamaha Motor Racing CEO Lin Jarvis sounded alarm bells about the future of the 2017 Moto2 champion. “This season has been very disappointing for Franco and also for us. In the second part of the championship we tried to change the way we work in the garage“, But the moment of crisis continues for Franco Morbidelli. “Unfortunately, this plan didn’t work“.
Yamaha technicians have been working for many months on a new evolution of the M1 engine for next year, thanks also to the involvement of engineer Luca Marmorini. It will certainly be a bike closer to the performance of its direct rivals, but Franky will have to do the rest, adapting with a different and more aggressive riding style. “The situation is difficult. It’s a mental thing, he doesn’t have enough confidence to drive really aggressively“Added Lin Jarvis.
In Valencia, during the Irta test scheduled for Tuesday 8 November, he will test the new 2023 bike, it could be the beginning of a turning point for the Italian-Brazilian Yamaha rider. The lack of grip at the rear could require the arrival of a new frame, new investments are planned in the aerodynamics area, the Japanese manufacturer is moving 360 degrees on the development of the next prototype. “Having a bike with more potential next year will definitely help Franky. But will it be enough? This is the question.“