Franco closes the day of testing with the seventh fastest lap time. 19th, aboard the GP25 and under the watchful eye of Fabio Di Giannantonio, Michele Pirro
Barcelona (Spain), November 19th 2024 – The track season of the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team officially ends with a day of testing – 2025 configuration – at the Barcelona circuit (next appointment 5/7 February – official MotoGP test at Sepang). Franco Morbidelli sets the seventh fastest time while Michele Pirro is 19th.
52 total laps on the Ducati Desmosedici GP24 to start getting to know the new technical team for Franco, who signs a good 1'39.565 and is only 7 tenths behind the top guys (A. Marquez, 1'38.803).
GP25 debut with Michele who today replaced Fabio - injured, but a more than welcome guest at the circuit - who completes 69 laps. Good feelings and final lap time of 1'40.486.
Franco Morbidelli
I'm very happy, it was a more than positive first approach. I know many members of the Team since years and it's a great honor to be able to work together. I've been following Matteo since I was a child, he made history with Vale when he was his electronics engineer and we had a good feeling. I like the atmosphere, there's everything you need to do well. We worked hard, I preferred not to put the soft at the end, it was too cold to improve our lap time. Overall a great start.
Michele Pirro
It was a great opportunity, thanks again to the Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team, I really enjoyed riding in the group. Today I immediately felt more comfortable, in my role let's say. I did a first check of the bike, I can say that with the GP25 we have taken another step forward. We are at the beginning, but it is an excellent base. It was nice to see Fabio on the track and also into the garage, a nice surprise for everyone. As a rider I know how hard it is to have to wait until Sepang to get back on the bike, but I am sure he will have fun with this new bike.
Fabio Di Giannantonio
I'm fine, only two weeks from the surgery and I'm still immobilized, but everything is going according to plan. Every day I take steps forward and I feel better. I really wanted to surprise the Team and see my bike. I couldn't resist, when I saw it into the garage with the fairings it was pure magic. In a few days I'll be able to start rehabilitation and then go back to training in January.
