MotoGP Morbidelli: "having a factory bike is definitely better than not having one"

When we look at the combined ranking sheet from the tests that took place in Qatar, we can wonder if, in this 2021 season, all the motorcycles will not be more or less identical within the brands. By this, mean that with the freezing of technical regulations, there would only be tiny differences, of an almost cosmetic nature, between a 2020 opus and another from the current vintage. A situation that we find for example at Yamaha, which made a nice group shot at Losail with Viñales, Quartararo and Morbidelli united in a pocket handkerchief…

So, what's the point of asking for a latest generation M1? Better, isn't it preferable to do the season with a proven model, from which we will be able to extract the quintessence from experience, rather than settling on a new opus which can always reserve unknowns in its areas to be discovered? These are exactly the questions that concern Franco Morbidelli. The three-time winner in 2020 and reigning vice-world champion took precedence during the previous campaign over his then teammate Fabio Quartararo, equipped with the latest generation of the Yamaha . And this one did the same to the Italian-Brazilian in 2019 with a less evolved M1 on paper…

A dilemma, an anxiety of the setback that the now teammate of Valentino Rossi in Petronas first comments thus: “ It’s true that I can concentrate more on understanding. I can really use the microscope for every change I make. A factory team driver, who has to test bigger things like a chassis and various more extensive upgrades, can do that too, but maybe not so much when it comes to setup. This is a difference that can be an advantage ».

Morbidelli: “I try to make the most of what I have”

But the 2 Moto2017 World Champion also adds: “ it becomes a disadvantage the moment those who try bigger things find something that gives them a tenth or two in return ". From there, the Italian-Brazilian forms his opinion: “ In my opinion it is better to have the factory bike. As I always say: having a factory motorcycle is definitely better than not having one. Otherwise, factory riders wouldn't ride factory motorcycles ". He therefore concludes: “ no, it's not an advantage not to have the factory bike ».

On his personal case, he elaborates on speedweek : " Yamaha brought a lot of little things to improve my package. But there is no development on my bike, so the focus is on new motorcycles. It's true. But I try to make the most of what I have and use my weapons ". And he is doing more than well considering the results.