When summarizing his first day of a Styrian Grand Prix which seals his reunion with a Red Bull Ring which left him with a painful memory since last week, Franco Morbidelli would only have wanted to talk about his bike . But it was on the sanction imposed on Johann Zarco that he had to speak. Valentino Rossi's protégé tries to get out of the rut by recalling the good times spent with the Frenchman...
Franco Morbidelli raised the pressure, and now he would like it to come down again. This is his disagreement with Johann zarco about their hanging where Valentino Rossi played the sound box. One version of the facts was retained. Not that of the French. But from the Italian clan. The Avintia pilot said what he thought. Now, the Petronas Yamaha rider would like to turn the page: “ I respect the decision of the sports commissioners” He explains. « I said he deserved punishment because he made a mistake, but it's not for me to say what it should be. The commissioners are doing their job and I cannot comment on their work ».
When asked to express my opinion despite everything, he replied: “ I don't care as this incident is in the past for me. Since I gave my opinion on what happened, I have closed this chapter that opened for the commissioners. It is their job to analyze what happened and decide whether or not to give a sanction, mine is to lead ».
An ever-present apprehension
Understanding the surrounding emotion and incomprehension, he adds: “ I didn't want revenge on Johann, as some have claimed. I had used strong words against him on Sunday, but only because I had just risked my life at 300 km/h. I've known Zarco since we were kids, we rode mini bikes together, so I have a feeling of friendship towards him I just asked that he be penalized for making a mistake. Now I will continue to concentrate on my work as best I can ».
He ends by mentioning that he still remembers this accident: “ going back to the scene, it wasn't a shock, because I didn't fall by making a mistake. But I crossed it alone, I think it will be different when it happens with other bikes. You remember what happened and they're not good memories. Maybe tomorrow I'll try to do a few laps with other drivers to see how I feel ».
MotoGP Austria 2 J1: cumulative times
