When you arrive at a new team where you are a priori expected to be the leader, and you get pushed around by a young teammate just starting out in MotoGP, who had never been a threat in the Moto2 category where the we have been sacred, we have reason to be destabilized. This is what happens to Franco Morbidelli within the Petronas Yamaha team against Fabio Quartararo…
It's an uncomfortable situation to say the least. Franco Morbidelli. The world crown and the year of learning on the Marc VDS Honda were wiped out in one fell swoop by the tornado Quarterly. In this turmoil, we must keep a cool head and after three retirements in Argentina, at Mugello and in Barcelona, the time has come to resume moving forward by achieving solid results. Because, during this time, the Frenchman did not wait: He has almost 20 more points in the championship.
At Assen, he was once again the star by taking pole position and getting onto the podium. But Morbidely gritted his teeth, lowered his head and after starting ninth, he finished fifth after a final battle against Petrucci. He equals his best result to date in MotoGP. The first top 5 dating from Austin.
« I am happy with this result » insists the resident of the VR46 Academy. “ Finishing the race was important and also getting a strong result ". The 24-year-old driver overtook Takaaki Nakagami et Red in the second round. Later he fought a long duel against Cal Crutchlow, which he won at 21e round. Three rounds later, Morbidely exceeded Joan mir and his Suzuki before offering himself the scalp of Petrucci in the final loop.
« It was a tough race » nevertheless admits Franco. “ At the start of the race, I didn't think I had the speed to get back to the front. It was only towards the end of the race that I felt more comfortable and could do faster laps than my direct opponents. I was able to gain a few places and finish fifth, I'm satisfied ". Next meeting this weekend at the Sachsenring.
MotoGP Assen J3: classification
