Enea Bastianini condemned Franco Morbidelli’s riding style on 10 July 2026 after the VR46 rider was handed a second three‑place grid penalty at the German Grand Prix practice session. The Tech3 KTM rider said Morbidelli’s slow line endangers competitors, echoing a similar dispute from the Dutch round.
What triggered the latest penalty?
During the practice session at the LIQUI MOLY GRAND PRIX OF GERMANY, Morbidelli rode slowly on the racing line at Turn 7, forcing Pedro Acosta to abort his lap. Stewards logged the incident as a Type MGP‑SR3 infraction – slow riding that disrupts another rider – and applied a three‑grid‑position drop for the main race. The official notice, timestamped 15:20:44 on 10 July, cited Article 1.21.2 of the FIM regulations.
How does this relate to Bastianini?
The penalty follows a previous grid drop at the Dutch Grand Prix, also involving Bastianini. In Assen, Morbidelli’s slow line blocked Tech3 KTM’s Enea Bastianini, prompting the Italian to label the VR46 rider “dangerous” and demand a change in style. Bastianini’s comments were recorded on the MotoGP website, where he said Morbidelli “remains on the line without turning his head to see if there are riders behind him.”
Why Bastianini’s reaction matters
Bastianini’s public criticism highlights a growing safety debate within MotoGP. When a top‑10 rider like Bastianini calls out a fellow Italian, it draws fan and media attention to rider conduct during practice. The issue could influence future steward decisions and push teams to brief riders on maintaining proper line discipline, especially on tight sections like Turn 7.
What’s next for the riders?
Morbidelli will start three places lower than his qualifying position at the German Grand Prix, while his sprint start remains unaffected. Bastianini, who qualified 10th for Q2 on Friday, will line up based on his sprint result. Both riders will head into the race weekend with heightened scrutiny, and any further incidents could trigger harsher sanctions.
How will this affect the championship battle?
The penalty shuffles the grid, potentially altering the dynamics for riders fighting for podium spots. Bastianini, currently a contender for the title, may benefit from a clearer track ahead if Morbidelli’s pace drops. Conversely, Morbidelli must recover lost positions quickly to stay in the points race.
What can fans expect?
Spectators can look forward to a tense showdown at the Sachsenring, where every corner counts. With Bastianini’s outspoken stance and Morbidelli’s penalty looming, the German round promises drama both on and off the track.