The first appointment in Misano brought a smile back to Franco Morbidelli, who after an uphill season managed to regain competitiveness and the chance to fight at the top, culminating in the third step of the podium in the sprint. A result, however, that he was unable to replicate in the long race, betrayed on the sixth lap by the raindrops that fell on the track. Therefore, the Rome rider's aspirations for the second weekend on the Rimini circuit are more than positive, aware of his possibilities on the GP24, currently the best bike on the grid both in terms of potential and versatility. A newfound competitiveness, Frankie's, with seven rounds left in which every point is worth its weight in gold, but Morbidelli prefers to remain cautious about whether he will turn out to be the proverbial "tiebreaker" in the title race.
"We are ready to start the weekend where we left off last week," Morbidelli began, "both in terms of the race and testing. I count on starting again with the same speed and attitude, which is what is needed to stay in the top 5. It will not be easy but it is a goal within our reach."
The GP24 has proven to be the most competitive bike, does that add to the pressure of having to be in the top four, especially here in Misano?
"The GP24 is a great bike, it's a great package in terms of performance, but nothing is guaranteed. You have to work hard to finish in the top five because the other bikes on the grid may not be better than the Ducatis but they are not that much worse either. But it's clear that finishing in the top four remains an important goal."
In the Misano opener, the weather conditions were different and played a key role.
"For sure the conditions will be different and this will shuffle the cards even more, it remains to be seen how much, we don't know what to expect even if the GP24 has shown to be competitive in all conditions."
From a mental point of view, how much did last week's podium affect you?
"There is some charge, there is no doubt that fighting for the top positions gives different feelings. No matter how good you are, being able to get those kinds of results has a different flavor."
With this, there are seven races left in the championship. Have your goals for this season changed heading into Valencia?
"Before, my goal was to get back to fighting for the top positions, now the challenge is to keep doing it consistently. I want to take as much satisfaction and good results as possible also because in terms of the championship we are far away."
You may find yourself becoming the tiebreaker.
"They told me that last week as well. I for my part try to disturb the fight for the championship as little as possible, it is a fight in which I do not belong, and I would like to enter as little as possible. I think it is right to leave it to the real protagonists. I am lucky enough to know how tough it is to manage without having to start considering another "character factor." Last Sunday I felt I was faster than Jorge and Pecco, but finding the right spot to pass them was very difficult, not only because of a question of the track or the conditions, but also because of this caution about them, this "needle factor."
However, the work you are doing on the GP24 will be important in view of 2025.
"True, the bike will be the same, a great bike that the more I get in touch with the better it will be in the next season, despite the fact that in this one I am out of the games. Clearly, the perspective in the present remains to do the best I can and maybe win. That would be a great way to wink at next season."