Morbidelli: Expectations are already reassessed from Qatar one and two
Franco Morbidelli opens up on ‘big gathering’ of emotion following first MotoGP podium in 2021 at Jerez.
The Italian rider’s results since the opening race in Qatar have been trending in an upwards spiral culminating with third place finish Andalusia behind Jack Miller and Francesco Bagnaia.
Morbidelli was asked about the emotion he showed on the cool down lap in Spain which saw him pounding his chest after the start finish line, to which he said: "First of all because it’s a MotoGP podium, then because of what we are going through. That podium had a different taste for sure.
"It felt great and I burst after the checkered flag. I think it’s because of a really big emotion gathering and after a good result everything comes out."
With Ducati and the 2021 Yamaha spec bike making huge strides forward in the hands of Maverick Vinales and Fabio Quartararo, Morbidelli has had to work even harder for his results of fifth and third in Portimao and Jerez, showing just how strong the 2020 title runner-up is at in this moment.
But when asked if the limited package has made him and the team reassess their expectations, Morbidelli added: "My expectations are already reassessed from Qatar one and two. I immediately realised that I needed to step it up again if I wanted to remain in a similar position as last year.
"It’s what we are trying to do, it’s what we managed to do in Portimao and also in Jerez.
"I hope to continue doing that and working to the best with my crew and enjoy racing and be the best that I can."
Last year's race at Le Mans saw Morbidelli crash out in the wet - conditions that are likely to occur again this weekend.
And this is a slight worry for the 26 year-old who doesn’t possess the best record in the rain.
Morbidelli said: "I’ve never been that fast on the wet and also I try to be fast but for some reason I never was. I made one podium in my career on the wet and after that it never came.
"So, it will be a chance to improve on the wet and see if what we did in the Jerez test will work on the wet. It will be useful to try and make a good result."
