Half-full glass for Franco Morbidelli at the end of the MotoGP Qualifying for the Grand Prix of the Americas.
In Austin the Yamaha rider did not go beyond Q1, being among the first eliminated, but he is not disappointed, given that the priorities of his work at the moment are not focused on pure performance, but on a phase of general growth. under every aspect.
“When I got on track I was between Marquez and Rins, I couldn’t set the time on the first lap, while on the second I was alone and so I was able to push as I wanted”, explains the Lazio rider.
“The important thing currently is not looking for a trail or taking risks in Qualifying, I prefer to improve the feeling with the bike and understand what I can do physically, in order to grow gradually”.
“I probably could have done a little more, but I’m working to make progress and what interests me is to do as many laps as possible in order to understand what I need and what the team can give me.”
“Slowly I’m succeeding, the FP4 certainly didn’t go very well, I had a used tire on the front and a new one on the rear, but unfortunately I didn’t like the set-up as much as I hoped”.
“We also know why, so we accept it, on Sunday we will focus on that to have a good race pace, in general I can say that we are happy precisely because we are improving more and more.”
Franco Morbidelli, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Meanwhile, Francesco Bagnaia has signed the Pole Position for the third time in a row with a Ducati that seems more and more one with him. ‘Frankie’ knows Piedmontese very well, so he knows what he is capable of.
“Pecco did not surprise me, I know he is very strong and he shows it on the asphalt. He has found his dimension with Ducati, he knows the bike and team well, and can push hard. I know what his skill as a speed rider is, so it was a matter of time for it to emerge “.
Once again, however, attention focuses on Morbidelli’s physical condition, who after the operation on his left knee ligaments is making significant progress, at times even surprising given the delicacy of the surgery.
“I take this opportunity to thank all the doctors who operated on me and followed me in this rehabilitation phase. I am working to make my leg work better, considering the time that has passed since the operation. We did a great job, the knee. it doesn’t hurt when I’m on the bike, I just lack strength. “
“I do physiotherapy once or twice a day when I am at home, in addition to weights to increase muscle mass in the leg, but also keeping me trained on the rest of the body with cardio exercises. It’s not easy, but I don’t have to focus only on the lower part, I am a motorcyclist and I want to be in shape on everything, continuing to work to grow. For now I am happy with the progress, the rest will come with time “.