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What a day for Franco Morbidelli. Something of a roller-coaster, it started with a nosedive and then ended on a high note. Few would have bet on a good qualifying session for #21 after his FP3 crash, but Franky showed what he's made of, scoring a precious fourth place finish.
“The day didn't start well, as I had a violent crash this morning, but the team did really well to repair the bike for FP4 and Q1. I didn't know what to expect once back on the bike, but luckily the same good sensations I'd had before the crash were still there. I was able to move on to Q2 and fourth place turned the day around, I'm happy”.
It was a big crash, and so it's no surprise that Franco is feeling the after-effects.
“It was one of the hardest crashes of my career, I lost control of the bike at 192 km/h. I wasn't going any faster than usual though so I don't know why I crashed. Luckily it didn't happen in a later session. I'm feeling pain all over really (he smiles), and will go to the Clinic later to see what I can do to improve my conditions”.
The crash aside, the solid performance by Franco and the other Yamahas has taken everyone a little by surprise, the rider included.
“I am surprised, but the race is tomorrow and we'll see where we can be. We Yamaha riders know we are fast when we lap alone on fresh tyres, but in the race you're part of a group and the grip is always different, there are many variables and so far we've suffered more than others. It's not the first time the Yamaha are up front in practice, but then we struggle in the race”.
Franky is focused on his own situation...
“My pace is great and during practice I've felt good over many laps, but the race is always different. I've made steps forward though, so we'll see where I end up. As for the race, I think Rins is the man to beat, even if he's starting eighth, everyone else is close”.
Something that may have a bearing on the Italian's race is tyre consumption, one of the Yamaha's main problems.
“Tomorrow's race will be a good test of tyre durability: it will be very hot and management will be important, we need to make the right choice in terms of compound and then set the right pace. I've seen many guys using the soft rear, so that might be an idea for the race”.
