Franco Morbidelli has fought hard behind the scenes and on the track to establish himself as a rider in MotoGP who deserves to have the best possible equipment. But its misfortune is to be in a time that is always out of sync with the moment when the major contracts are negotiated. When his cycle arrives, the best opportunities have already been taken. But with the departure of Viñales from the Yamaha factory team at the end of this year, the cards are reshuffled and the Italian-Brazilian returns to the game. The irony of fate is that this happens to him while he is at home, immobilized after knee surgery...
Morbidely wanted to influence events through his action and his results, but it was by doing none of this that the situation he had been chasing for quite some time materialized. Thus, in view of the current situation at Yamaha, which wants Casa Particular in Viñales leaves the workforce at the end of a year 2021 which also promises to be the last season of Valentino Rossi, the current pilot Petronas is almost guaranteed to have this famous state-of-the-art M1. Better yet, it could even be in factory colors...
If all this comes to fruition, Morbidely will have what it takes to ride towards glory. Or almost ? Because the placid Italian-Brazilian does not enjoy such exposure, which is nevertheless the other side of the gold medal that radiates a career. In a conversation with Motorsport, he says thus: “ I want to fulfill myself as a pilot, but I don't want the life of Valentino, Marquez or Doohan. I want to live my life. I am very focused on life. Of course, athletes like Vale or Marc inspire me because they have performed well in areas that I have not yet managed ».
Morbidelli: “winning is the result of previous work”
Words that reflect a particular train of thought on the part of the man who is considered one of the calmest, most balanced and most thoughtful riders in the peloton. He explains his way of approaching things like this: “ winning is the result of the work before », announces Morbidely. " It's a reflection of the person and athlete you are ».
« I barely focus on winning because it's the last step that comes by itself “, he assures. “ I focus on the many small steps before this final step. You have to become a better driver and a better person. If everything works, then victory comes ».
Morbidely is the reigning vice-world champion, a status notably built with three victories in 2020, as many as his then teammate Fabio Quartararo. Despite this journey, he still rides with a Yamaha of the 2019 vintage. He still tries to get the most out of it with his team and his chief mechanic Ramón Forcada. A work rewarded with a podium in Jerez.
Morbidely is currently recovering from surgery on his left knee. It is not yet known when the 26-year-old will be able to drive again. His doctors are talking about a rehabilitation period of around eight weeks. That would mean he would be away from Spielberg in August. Yamaha has already mobilized its test rider Cal Crutchlow to replace it.
