Espargaro Urges Morbidelli to “Focus” Following Valencia GP Crash

Aleix Espargaro has urged Franco Morbidellito be “more focused” following the VR46 MotoGP rider breaking his hand in their unusual crash on the starting grid for the Valencia Grand Prix.

Moments before the final round of the 2025 season began in Spain, Morbidelli touched the rear of Espargaro’s Honda, which had just come to a halt in his starting position after performing a stoppie.

The impact knocked the Italian off his feet, while a confused Espargaro looked to his side and saw the Ducati lying on the ground.

Morbidelli was able to get back on his motorcycle and start from the pit lane, having initially qualified in seventh position, seven places ahead of Espargaro. However, his race concluded after just five laps when he returned to the VR46 garage and withdrew.

Following his early withdrawal, Morbidelli visited the medical facility, where scans showed he had sustained a break in his left hand. He has been ruled out of Tuesday’s post-season Valencia test, meaning he will not have the opportunity to ride the GP25 until at least the Sepang test in February.

Espargaro felt empathy for Morbidelli due to the consequences of the accident, but emphasized that he must improve his focus, stating that he is “involved in something or another” at every race.

He didn’t notice me. I won’t hold it against him,” said the Honda rider. “I also feel bad because he was injured.

But he needed to be more cautious since something or other occurred every weekend.

He stated, “I observed him lying on the ground. I found it highly unpleasant.”

I’ve always mentioned that it can occur at the start of the grid when everyone is braking, but not when you’re in your position [in the middle of the grid]. I wasn’t P21; he came with speed; I was P14, so in the middle of the grid.

You need to be cautious. You must move slowly in that area. You have to be highly attentive. Extremely attentive because we need to perform several tasks: interact with various elements, numerous buttons. We must stay focused and keep our eyes straight ahead.

The officials have not yet released a decision regarding the incident, as Morbidelli needed to go to the medical center for examinations.

When asked if he felt he deserved a penalty for his actions, Espargaro responded: “I’m not sure. But in my opinion, if your move is risky, it should result in a penalty.”

He needed to be more concentrated. I feel bad for him since he suffered an injury, but he has the potential to harm me greatly.

I’m not concerned about the penalty, but he must improve his focus since this isn’t the first instance. Every weekend, we discuss issues related to attention and concentration. He has a significant injury in his hand. I hope he recovers soon.

Morbidelli missed his post-race media briefing and thus couldn’t share his version of events.

His team VR46released a short statement following the incident.

A crash at the Valencia GP has resulted in Franco Morbidelli being diagnosed with a break in the fifth metacarpal of his left hand,” stated VR46. “Franky will skip Tuesday’s test and will not participate in media activities today.

Espargaro, who was evaluating a 2026 Honda prototype, withdrew after only two laps following the damage his motorcycle incurred in the crash with Morbidelli.

It’s unfortunate since the bike didn’t function at all,” he remarked. “I also experienced the exhaust coming into contact with my foot. I was somewhat upset initially because I couldn’t compete with a broken bike.

Espargaro and Morbidelli share a tense dynamic in MotoGP, having been part of several conflicts in recent years.

At last weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix, the brother of the former onePol Espargaro criticized Morbidelli for being “too aggressive” in his riding style.