Franco Morbidelli Declared Unfit After Start-Line Crash at Valencia MotoGP

The VR46 rider suffered a hand fracture and will be rested for the Valencia test. 

Franco Morbidelli was forced to retire from the Valencia MotoGP after a crash on the start line left him with a fractured left hand. The VR46 Ducati rider collided with Aleix Espargaro while rolling into his grid position. Morbidelli, caught off guard as Espargaro stopped in his box, hit the rear of the Spaniard’s RC213V, causing damage to his own bike.

Espargaro, who managed to avoid a fall himself, said the incident was partly down to Morbidelli not being fully aware of his surroundings. “He didn’t see me, so it’s not about how I braked,” Espargaro explained. “He has to be more careful because every weekend something happens. You have to be super-focused in that place.” Despite the incident, Espargaro expressed sympathy for Morbidelli’s injury.

Morbidelli started the race from the pit lane but retired at the end of the first lap due to the hand fracture and damage to his bike’s fairing. The injury also prevents him from taking part in testing on Tuesday as the 2026 preseason begins at Circuit Ricardo Tormo. Other riders also retired in the race, including Jorge Martin and Maverick Vinales, who both cut their return races short.

Morbidelli’s teammate, Fabio Di Giannantonio, had a stronger finish, claiming third place after overtaking Pedro Acosta on the penultimate lap. This marked Di Giannantonio’s second podium of the weekend, having finished third in Saturday’s Sprint race.

The race was won by Marco Bezzecchi, securing the first Aprilia 1-2 finish since the 2023 Catalan Grand Prix, with Aleix Espargaro finishing second ahead of Di Giannantonio. Raul Fernandez completed the top four for Trackhouse.

Morbidelli now faces recovery over the winter, with his focus turning to the 2026 season after a challenging end to the year.