On the day that Fabio Quartararo scored the victory in Portimao, the second of this season in 2021, Franco Morbidelli let the flag fly for Petronas. To give the Malaysian team a fourth place, which is made up of heart, drive and determination.
On the one hand there was satisfaction, on the other hand there was a tinge of regret for the podium, which they missed by only two tenths.
“I’m happy with the race I drove – said Franco – I had less potential than Pecco and Mir, but fourth place is undoubtedly positive. This result is thanks to the work that we have done together with the team and the working group. Unfortunately, we didn’t find the right setup in Qatar, while things were different here. “
In Portimao, the Italian-Brazilian was able to go around the corner …
“My world championship didn’t start today, but in Qatar on the Losail track. It didn’t start on the right foot, but today was a positive race and I’m happy. “
Morbidelli finished fourth in Portimao. One wonders, however, if Yamaha will be contributing for the remainder of the season as Rossi will receive updates from the manufacturer from the next GP onwards.
“This year the situation is different because my bike is completely different from the official ones. But let’s forget these things.”
Franco wanted to abbreviate this topic, even though it appears that the official M1s are from another planet.
“I have the feeling that I have less of my maximum potential. The other Yamahas, I mean the factory Yamahas, can use the tires better and have a little more than me to make the tires work better. So you have more speed. I haven’t had any impressive times, but I did manage to fight for the podium. The others can push the tires better and get a little more out of it, but for my part I try to be consistent. “
Franco is clearly also relying on Forcada’s experience to help overcome the difficulties.
“Ramon is the best crew boss in MotoGP and it shows in the fact that we are fast on a bike that is not official anyway.”
READ PAOLO SCALERA’S BLOG HERE: The strange case of Franco Morbidelli, World Championship runner-up … but not for Yamaha