Morbidelli admits he surprised to finish as runner-up in MotoGP 2020
Realizing that he is only a “stepchild” at Yamaha made Franco Morbidelli admit that he was surprised to win three wins in the MotoGP 2020 event and finish as runner up in the final standings of the competition.
The Petronas Yamaha SRT Team Rider did look normal at the beginning of this season. In the Jerez series he only finished in 5th position, then failed to finish in the second series. In fact, three other Yamaha riders have won the podium.
He just got his first podium in the third series in Czech. But in the next two series, this Italian racer even failed to reach the finish line.
Only since the San Marino Grand Prix, Morbidelli’s consistency was clear. He managed to win the race with a dominant performance. Then won again at the Teruel and Valencia GPs, and finished third in the last series at Portimao.
With this series of results, Morbidelli finally finished 2nd in the final standings.
This achievement no doubt surprised Morbidelli, especially when considering the fact that he only wore the 2019 version of the ride, unlike the other three Yamaha riders.
“I am very satisfied with this season. This season did not start in the best way, because I was frustrated when I found out that I would get a different bike from three other Yamaha riders.”
“But we were able to overcome all the problems and go in the right direction. Now is the time to rest and think about next year, “said the 2017 Moto2 world champion.
With this achievement, Morbidelli hopes that Yamaha will no longer underestimate him. Yes, at least next season he has got the same ride with the other three riders.
“I do not feel underestimated. I know the other three Yamaha riders are very strong. But I feel I am in the lowest place at Yamaha. I hope this season makes me a serious consideration for Yamaha.”
“The level of competition at Yamaha is high. Vale has a lot of experience, while Fabio and Mack are super fast, “he said.
For information, starting next season Morbidelli will team up with his own mentor, Valentino Rossi.