The reigning vice-world champion Morbidelli emerges reassured and strengthened from an off-season which focused in five divided days on the Losail track which will host the first two Grands Prix of the season. Indeed, he saw that with his Yamaha less evolved than the other three of the last generation, he could easily stand the comparison. However, for the start of hostilities in Doha, he swears only by Ducati, starting with Jack Miller whom he constantly cites as the favorite of the year...
Franco Morbidelli is driven by a quiet strength which became a little more anchored after the five days of off-season tests at Losail. By taking stock of these exercises accomplished with his Yamaha M1 called “A-Spec”, he comments: “ I'm sure we can fight for the top positions on the race weekend. Right now I feel ready and full of energy. I would like to start right away ».
Fourth in the cumulative ranking, and above all very close to his distinguished colleagues who are Casa Particular in Viñales et Quarterly, a priori better endowed, Morbidely declared itself very satisfied with the work carried out during the five days of IRTA testing in the category MotoGP organized in Qatar, where the 2021 world championship will begin on March 28. “ I will start the season trying to give the best of myself, I know it will be difficult, but it was also the case last year ».
« By working hard and giving your all, there are things that can be accomplished that you might not expect. I know my strengths and those of my team. I will focus on knowing the bike and having a great feeling with the team. My commitment will be total he says. " The speed of my bike compared to other Yamahas is very good. Even on a circuit like this ».
Morbidelli sees Zarco return to the top
That being said, sizing up with the other M1s is one thing, but battling the rest of the field is another. Especially in Qatar, where Ducati have left their mark and broken records in the straight line. A situation confirmed by the Italian-Brazilian: “ last year I fought with Jack Miller and I think this year, he has all the credentials to fight for the title. He is in an official team, he is a very strong driver and he has already fought for a world title ».
« Even though I never followed him, he was really fast. The times are impressive and the speed on the straights was strong. He finished the preseason with good pace and I'm sure he is one of the title contenders " estimated Morbidely which does not stop at the case of the teammate of bagnaia : " as possible surprises, I see the three rookies Bastianini, Marini and Martin and Zarco's return to the top ". Certainly, the pilot Petronas Yamaha only seems to swear by Ducati.
MotoGP Tests Qatar 2: combined ranking
Credit rankings: MotoGP.com
