Franco Morbidelli's MotoGP career in doubt after manager cites mental slump and past Qatar incident

Team manager Carlo Pernat says Italian rider Franco Morbidelli is mentally out of form, noting that a crash at Portimão has left a lasting psychological impact and that his career may be nearing its end despite the support of mentor Valentino Rossi and the experienced VR46 engineering staff.

Morbidelli also remains upset about a 2023 Qatar practice clash in which Aleix Espargaró struck his helmet after a heated on‑track exchange. Morbidelli feels the penalty imposed on Espargaró was too light compared with later sanctions in similar cases, and the incident continues to affect his confidence on the track.