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| Franco Morbidelli Criticized for Mugello MotoGP 2025 Collision That Ruined Maverick Vinales’ Podium Hopes, Says KTM Boss Herve Poncharal. |
Franco Morbidelli is under fire following a controversial collision with Maverick Vinales during the 2025 MotoGP Italian Grand Prix at Mugello, which cost the KTM rider a potential podium finish. Tech3 KTM team boss Herve Poncharal didn’t hold back, expressing frustration over the incident and calling for more thoughtful riding from Morbidelli in the future.
What Happened at Turn 4 Mugello?
During last Sunday’s race, Vinales was running in a solid fourth position when Morbidelli collided with him at the apex of Turn 4. The contact sent Vinales into the gravel trap, instantly ending his race. Given how Francesco Bagnaia’s pace dropped in the final laps — eventually allowing Fabio Di Giannantonio to snatch third — Vinales could very well have challenged for the final podium spot.
It was a bitter blow for both Vinales and KTM, who are still chasing their first podium of the 2025 MotoGP season. The Spaniard’s last rostrum finish came from his victory at Circuit of the Americas back in April.
Poncharal: The Penalty Wasn't Enough
Although race stewards handed Morbidelli a single long lap penalty, Poncharal believes the punishment was too light considering the damage done to Vinales’ race.
“Simon [Crafar] is a good friend and a great referee, and the rules are the rules,” Poncharal said during the live broadcast from Assen.
“But in my opinion, the penalty wasn’t harsh enough. It doesn’t matter what the punishment was — even a black flag wouldn’t have brought our race back.”
Poncharal emphasized that while he respects the stewards’ decisions, the current penalty system doesn't do enough to discourage reckless moves.
“I just hope Franky (Franco Morbidelli) is going to think a bit more in the future.”
KTM Misses Out, But Sees Hope in Assen
Despite the disappointment at Mugello, Poncharal took some comfort in Vinales’ promising performance at the Dutch GP in Assen. Vinales finished second in FP1 and eighth in Practice, indicating solid pace on a track that suits various manufacturers.
“Maverick really deserved that podium,” said Poncharal.
“He feels great here — he’s happy with the bike, happy with how the package works. Everything is clicking.”
Even so, Poncharal remains grounded, acknowledging that the grid is fiercely competitive.
“We have six Ducatis, Aprilia is strong, Yamaha is strong here — even Honda can’t be ruled out. Everything is so close. A podium is a dream, but it’s a possible dream.”
Morbidelli vs Espargaro: A Feud Rekindled
The incident also stirred up an old rivalry between Morbidelli and Aleix Espargaro. After the crash with Vinales, Espargaro — appearing as a wildcard rider for Honda in Assen — posted a sarcastic comment on social media, suggesting Morbidelli stay out of trouble in the Netherlands.
Their conflict dates back to the Silverstone GP, where both riders clashed and exchanged words after colliding and ending up in the gravel.
The latest controversy with Vinales has reignited criticism around Morbidelli’s aggressive on-track behavior, raising questions about whether he’s becoming a repeat offender in high-stakes moments.
The 2025 MotoGP season continues to deliver drama, with Franco Morbidelli at the center of the latest controversy following his contact with Maverick Vinales at Mugello. While officials deemed the penalty fair, many — including Herve Poncharal — believe it wasn’t enough.
As KTM looks ahead with renewed hope at Assen, Morbidelli’s reputation hangs in the balance, especially as tensions with rivals like Espargaro intensify. One thing’s for sure: all eyes will be on how Morbidelli rides in the next few rounds.
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