Morbidelli Claims Podium After Vinales’ Penalty in Qatar MotoGP 2025

Franco Morbidelli from Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team—unexpectedly claimed a podium finish at the Qatar MotoGP 2025  after Maverick Vinales received a penalty at Lusail Circuit.

The Red Bull KTM Tech3 rider initially finished third after starting from the sixth grid—battling intensely with Ducati duo Marc Marquez and Francesco Bagnaia throughout the 22-lap race.

However, Vinales’ joy on the podium alongside Marquez and Bagnaia was short-lived — tire pressure irregularities resulted in a 16-second penalty, dropping him to 14th position.

This situation benefited Morbidelli, who originally finished fourth. Valentino Rossi’s senior student automatically moved up to the podium, replacing Vinales’ position.

Morbidelli’s surprise podium finish highlights the unpredictability of the sport—where a single penalty can drastically alter the results, offering opportunities to riders who may have otherwise missed the chance for a podium.