MotoGP, Morbidelli: "Losail seems to have been designed for Ducati"

He might not have an official bike, but Franco Morbidelli is still keeping pace with his brand mates. Today, in the Qatar tests, he placed second, between Vinales and Quartararo, setting a respectable time (1’53.323).

“I felt very good on the bike - he said - I tested a lot of things to understand certain aspects and we managed to make the right changes to adapt to the different conditions, which change a lot during the day here in Losail. Everything went smoothly, I also did a time attack and a great lap came out of it”.

Are you happy with your pace too?

"I have also improved in that aspect, today the track was slower but I was able to maintain the pace of yesterday, I felt more at ease. Of course the Ducatis are always strong, like the Suzukis and the other 3 Yamahas, including Valentino, I think they will be the ones to fight in the race ”.

Will the values ​​on the track change over the weekend of the Grand Prix?

“These days the asphalt has a lot of grip, but there are times when it's not so good. This is why we focused on how to react when there are these changes, because there is less time in the race and you need to have clear ideas. We’ve got the speed, but things can change and you have to be ready, which is why we did several moves on the bike. I feel ready, we have worked very well and most of the work is done. We have clear ideas ".

Did everything work?

“I'm trying to build a setup menu to use depending on the conditions. Having a good base is important but it is also important to understand how to react ”.

Is Yamaha supporting you in the best possible way?

“I won't have any developments, they gave me a lot of little things to try and those will be for the rest of the season. Having a factory bike is always better, otherwise the factory riders wouldn't use it (laughs). However, I can look at every modification with the microscope, not having to try too big things ”.

Who is the favourite for the race?

“Day after day the situation is getting clearer and moving towards Ducati, they have always gone well here. They are fast, not only on the straight but also on the pace, today both Bagnaia and Zarco as well as Miller were. Fighting against them will be difficult because on the straight they are impressive, Losail looks like a track designed for them. The balance is on Ducati's side, but we are there ”.

Do you see any surprises in the classification?

"I would say no, everyone is very fast, it is impressive to see 9 riders below 1’54, as well as Zarco's 357.6 km/h. It's a good ranking, it will be an interesting Grand Prix ”.

Did you hear about the possibility of getting vaccinated in Qatar?

"Yes and I will do what they ask me. For me it is positive to have this possibility, I am lucky".