Although Morbidelli finished 2020 as the best Yamaha rider and runner-up overall in the championship, he remains on the 2019 A1-M1 that he rode last season and is struggling.
Morbidelli was able to stand on the podium in Portugal and finished third in the Spanish Grand Prix last weekend, but didn’t hide his displeasure at not having factory machines in 2021.
The Petronas SRT rider discussed the situation with Yamaha and said he “understood” his feelings – both parties agreed that various factors caught him “unhappy”.
“Yes, I spoke to Lin [Jarvis]”Said Morbidelli on Sunday in Jerez.” I told him my thoughts on the situation and I was really open with him.
“He was also very open to me, he understood my feelings and he understood my situation.
“But we both finally came to the conclusion that I was unlucky because of the contracts, the COVID situation and many things.
“So I was unlucky and I hope that the happiness that was stolen from me this year will be returned somewhere in life.”
When asked by Motorsport.com whether his podium at Jerez was more satisfactory because of this situation or more frustrating because of its technical situation, he replied, “This podium feels wonderful and it feels sweeter than usual.
“There’s this shadow of frustration around us, that’s for sure.
“But when we get good results, we’re just happy. I am just happy. “
Vinales brakes too weakly in Jerez
Maverick Vinales, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Yamaha works rider Maverick Vinales was unable to finish seventh on the grid in the Jerez race because he was too weak on the brakes.
The Spaniard was one of three drivers who opted for the soft front tire, who in his opinion was the right decision and was overall satisfied with his M1, but couldn’t get into the podium because “I couldn’t brake harder”.
“The soft was a good option for me, I honestly felt good about it,” said Vinales. “I just couldn’t close the gap with me and the boys I had in front of me enough.
“I had good laps at the end of the race, but not enough.
“So we have to work on that. It was definitely a positive race because I felt strong on many, many points on the track.
“On the other hand, there are some parts of the track where we need to improve – especially in the braking area.
“I couldn’t brake harder and that was my biggest problem.
“The rest was fantastic, the bike was on a really good level. I just couldn’t get the most out of the brakes. “