World runner-up and winner of three grand prix in 2020, Franco Morbidelli started this year in the group of favorites, despite being the fourth Yamaha rider and the only one who runs with different material, from 2019.
However, the start of the course for the Italian could not have been more bleak, with an 18th place in the first race, improving significantly until he finished 12th in the second, both held in Qatar , where two official Yamahas won.
The Portuguese Grand Prix has served as vindication for Morbidelli and a warning that he is back after completing a very solid race. In the end he finished fourth, off the podium, but very close to second place.
“I am very happy with how the race went. He had good potential. At the beginning it was very hard to be with the group, it’s difficult for me, I can’t be one of the strongest when I go with other riders, but I managed to make room for myself”, introduced the Italian.
“Then, when a few laps have passed, it has been a rhythm race, with a lot of concentration to keep the lap spin high. It worked out well for me,” he added.
Frankie couldn’t finish off his great job with a podium finish, which was close.
“In the end I was close to the fight for second place and I’m happy about it. It was a positive weekend, with good feelings”.
All this after the disastrous start to the season that must now be forgotten.
“Here the problems of Qatar have disappeared, but it remains to be confirmed in other races. That has been good for not worrying. Let’s see what happens in Jerez , which is a circuit that I like”, settled the Italian-Brazilian from Petronas .
The photos of the Portuguese GP 2021 of MotoGP
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
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Photo de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Foto de: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
