MotoGP Le Mans France J3: Franco Morbidelli (Yamaha/10): “We are not where we want to be”

Franco Morbidelli scores his second top 10 of the year at Le Mans after his excellent Argentinian weekend. However, like many drivers in the peloton, he is not so satisfied with his performance. It's true that many falls helped this result, that's a certainty. But all the same, the Italian is not that far from a Fabio Quartararo – certainly diminished – and has reduced the gap compared to 2022. On the evening of the race, he confides.

« It was a difficult race. I didn't get a good start, and found myself stuck behind competitors. The tire pressure started to rise and I couldn't push anymore. I just drove to the finish line and tried to bring back as much information as possible » could we read in the columns of speedweek. Managing tire pressure, in direct relation to temperature, is undoubtedly one of the major topics of 2023. The multiplication of wings does not help the phenomenon, especially when drivers follow each other closely. Beyond this simple parameter, “Franky” is lucid about Yamaha’s chances: “ We're not where we want to be, we don't have the same potential as the best ».

 

 

Regarding penalties, the Italian also had something to say. “ Lots of yellow flags, it was a battlefield, as always. I think some people saw that the race management had not penalized on Saturday and took advantage of it. Everyone wants to get ahead quickly, but apart from those who have special skills like Brad Binder, it is better not to try anything ». Remember: The 2 Moto2017 world champion was very critical of the race management in Jerez, especially after his penalty received due to the collision at the start of the Sprint.

 

In your opinion, can Yamaha and Franco Morbidelli return to the elite? Tell us in the comments!

Here is the result of the 2023 MotoGP French Grand Prix:

Classification credit: motogp.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport