MotoGP Interview Franco Morbidelli: “We didn’t achieve what we deserve”

After a strong first half of the 2019 MotoGP season, Franco Morbidelli explains how the year has gone so far.

Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team rider Franco Morbidelli has started the 2019 MotoGP season well with five top 10 finishes in the first nine races of 2019. However, still looking for more in the second half of the season, he takes advantage of the summer break to make an even stronger end to the year.

How do you rate the first half of the season?
“I would rate the season at 7,5 so far. We were fast but not constant. We are in 11th position in the championship and I think we deserve a little better, but I made some mistakes that I shouldn't have made. "We may not have what I think we deserve, but the battle between me and sixth place is very close, and we have the second half of the season to score as many points as possible and move up the hierarchy."

Behind the championship leader, how tight is the battle for points and positions?
“There is a very large group of drivers who can fight for the top positions and it's great to be in that fight. You can see the championship positions change after each race, and it's an exciting battle to be a part of. I have fought in races with drivers who have won races and been on the podium. With the fight so close, it's the little details, circuit features and luck that make the difference. This motivates us to work even harder to succeed.”

What has been the best race so far for you?
“Assen was the best race of the year for me, but in Argentina I also fought for the podium.”

How are you and the team adapting to the Yamaha YZR-M1?
“The adaptation is going well, and we just need to understand a few more things to be confident in all conditions. I work very well with the team and I feel very comfortable with them. This is the most important thing, because it allows me to work in a calmer and more precise way.”

In which aspects, the bike or your riding style, would you like to take a step forward in the next races?
“I would like to improve the acceleration grip during the second part of the year. This is certainly our weak point and this is where we need to work. The team and Yamaha are doing a great job and I am sure we will make progress race after race. We are really pleased with the support we are receiving from Yamaha.”

Are you looking forward to the second part of the season?
“The numbers say I'm better in the second half of the season. In 2016 I was first or second overall in the second part of the year, in 2017 I won the championship, and there are many circuits that I love like my home race in Misano and the GP from Malaysia which will be really special for the whole team. I don't see why targeting the podium wouldn't be possible, but for now the plan for the summer break is to target the areas where we need to improve, and recharge for the second half of the year, and it works better at the beach! ".

As a bonus, a visit to the Petronas SRT trucks.