Morbidelli tries new brake discs, ‘quite happy with them’

Franco Morbidelli kept his MotoGP test programme to a minimum in Catalunya, as he remains ‘mindful’ of the knee injury suffered three rounds ago in Le Mans. 

The Italian rider - although not at 100% - looked on course for a strong Catalunya race after demonstrating podium pace throughout Friday and Saturday practice. 

However, last year’s championship runner-up made a poor start from fifth on the grid and could only salvage ninth place. 

It should be added that Morbidelli’s top ten result was aided by crashes to Marc Marquez and Aleix Espargaro who were ahead of him at the time. 

Out of all the MotoGP riders, Morbidelli completed the least amount of laps during Monday’s test with 29, but even so, the Italian called it a ‘good’ test with new ‘brake discs’ tried. 

"We had a good morning session today. We kept our testing programme short, not doing that many laps, as we wanted to be mindful of my knee." said Morbidelli. 

"Although it is not 100% yet, it is healing and so we just wanted to take care of it a bit more, try not to over stress it today. The things we tried were good though and I’m quite happy with them. 

"We used some new brake discs that could be interesting for Austria, and also some other tracks potentially. 

"Now it’s time to rest, and face the last two races before the break in the best way possible."

With Morbidelli alluding to Austria being an ‘interesting’ venue for the brake discs to be tested at, which is due to its long straights and hard braking corners, the Red Bull Ring is three rounds away as Sachsnering and Assen will take place before that.