MotoGP | GP Le Mans Qualifying: Morbidelli, “I hope I can fight for the podium”

MotoGP GP France Yamaha Petronas SRT 2021 – Franco Morbidelli achieved the fourth time in qualifying for the French Grand Prix, fifth stage of the 2021 MotoGP, scheduled for tomorrow on the historic Le Mans track.

The Italian-Brazilian rider of Team Yamaha Petronas will open the second row, where there will also be Johann Zarco (Ducati Pramac) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda).

During FP3 “Morbido” had an unprecedented problem. Returning to the pits at the end of the session, while testing the bike change in view of a possible flag-to-flag race, he saw his left knee give way and was then helped back to the pits. He then carried out some checks which highlighted a problem with his left meniscus, but his race is not at risk.

Statements Franco Morbidelli French GP Le Mans Qualifying

“Today we had a good qualifying. We are on the second row and it is important to start from the front. We went fast in all conditions, both on a very wet and very dry track. This makes me happy and I hope that tomorrow will be as good a day as today or even better. This morning I rode well in the wet, we made a step forward in this aspect too. If it rains I will try to repeat what I did in FP3.”

Statements Franco Morbidelli race goal French GP Le Mans Qualifying

“I hope to be able to fight for the podium due to the characteristics of the track and the state of form we are in. This year we have improved compared to last year, I feel like a slightly more mature rider, I try to improve the aspects in which I am a little more lacking, for example braking, an area where I wasn't very strong last year. Since I was often in front we didn't think about working too hard on it. My impression is that we are better than last year.”

Statements Franco Morbidelli knee problem French GP Le Mans Qualifying

“Unfortunately the knee is a bit weak, when I jumped from the bike it gave way. It was very painful, but yesterday we started with the Mobile Clinic with painkillers and treatments. In the end I had no problems on the track, I'm quite satisfied."