Morbidelli talks about the Spike Lee-inspired Misano helmet message

Racism and diversity were at the fore in 2020 amid the Black Lives Matter protests that broke out after the police murder of George Floyd in America in May.

Formula 1 launched its “We Race As One” initiative to address the problem, while Mercedes switched to black paint to show its support for the message – with Lewis Hamilton, the loudest voice in motorsport, on Change is urgent. MotoGP was noticeable this year for the lack of similar messages.

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As is traditional for Italian riders at their home races, Morbidelli was one of several to debut a special helmet design on Saturday depicting himself as a character from the Spike Lee-winning film Do the Right Thing – a film that is racist Concerning tension and violence in America.

Morbidelli – whose father is Italian and mother is Brazilian – also wears the expression “equality” in numerous languages ​​on the back of his helmet.

He explained his new helmet design: “When I decided to make the special helmet for this event, I wanted to deal with one big thing and one big issue, namely racism. But I also wanted to embrace the whole of 2020, because this year started really badly and many, many unpleasant things happened in the world in 2020.

“We’re trying to put the audience on a show, and we’re trying to make the audience feel good. So I wanted to treat the subject with a little lightness, not be difficult.

“And there’s a Spike Lee movie that does a great job of this thing, it’s called Do the Right Thing. There is the character who at one point in the film only says, “Stop all the BS”, stop hating each other, and he calls it “time out”. So I wanted to put myself in his clothes and stamp my helmet on.

“And I also wanted to send a message of equality [on the back] in different languages ​​because I think it’s one of the most important things to remember. I think it’s important to remember that we are all the same. The coronavirus reminded us badly, but we have to remember it for the good days too. I think it was the best message that could be sent in the easiest possible way. “

Morbidelli will start the San Marino Grand Prix on Sunday from second place on the grid between poleman Maverick Vinales and SRT team-mate Fabio Quartararo.

Franco Morbidelli, Petronas Yamaha SRT

Franco Morbidelli, Petronas Yamaha SRT

Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images