Franco Morbidelli denies he “frequently” breaks rule after slow riding penalty

Franco Morbidelli has denied he frequently breaks the rules despite his second penalty of the MotoGP season for slow riding on the line.

The VR46 Ducati rider must serve a three-place grid penalty at Silverstone in the grand prix on Sunday.

Morbidelli was punished for riding slowly on the racing line at Turn 12 and 13 during Friday’s second practice session.

• 2025 British MotoGP, Silverstone - Friday Practice Results

His actions left Marco Bezzecchi gesturing and frustrated.

It is Morbidelli’s second penalty of a similar nature this season. He was previously punished in Buriram so this was a familiar crime by Morbidelli.

Morbidelli was 15th fastest on Friday, whereas Bezzecchi was fifth.

Morbidelli said about whether he needs to change his habits to avoid penalties: “I wouldn’t say frequently. It’s just twice in six races.

"Talking about frequently, we can open a big matter.

“I am frequently recorded, when I do this, because I can swear to you that this has happened many times with other riders. But it just passes through.

“This time, I understand more the episode in Thailand which was a time attack.

“This was in the middle of the session.

“For sure, the penalty is because it’s me with this behaviour.

“I will take the penalty with no problem. But this, for sure, opens a topic for other occasions.

“It happens to everybody in the middle of a session, to be slow on the line. But the things didn’t get recorded. They didn’t get complained about.

“I accept it. I understand.”

He added about his Friday: "A tough day today. Everything was fine then I had a crash in FP2 which slowed me down. I lost feeling.

"When I went to the time attack I didn’t have the feeling to push. That’s unfortunate.

"I had an episode with Marco. After the episode in Thailand with Pecco Bagnaia, I have a [three-place grid penalty] for Sunday.

"That’s another big hit for us."