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1414. The number of days Franco Morbidelli has had to wait from May 2, 2021 until now to return to savoring the joy of the MotoGP podium. "More than the time it took my friends' children to start talking," the Roman rider joked post-race, while at Termas de Rio Hondo only three laps, just over four minutes, were enough for him to power away from the eighth starting place, overtake, settle himself in third position and defend it until the checkered flag. This Sunday lies behind him the ordeal of the last four years, the complicated recovery from a meniscus injury, the two gray and depressing years riding the factory M1 and the big scare in training at the Portimao track last January that slowed his resurgence on the GP24 factory of Team Pramac. It is because of this little personal Odyssey that Morbidelli in the post-race seemed like a man waking up from a bad dream, full of life, light-hearted, as he had not felt in a long time. Reborn, at least here, among the blue and white of Argentina.
"They have been four very complicated years," the Italian-Brazilian began, "In some we didn't make it by a narrow margin, in others we were really far away. Now to taste we are back on top and it will be nice to stay there. Already last year, with the new bike, it should have been the moment of my rebirth, but just when we all thought the nightmare was over, we sank even further down, because I got injured and there were so many problems. Then the 2024 season ended with very good feelings, this year we got off to a very good start, and the extra year of experience on the bike gives me more feeling."
What was the reason behind today's excellent performance?
"Yesterday actually I didn't feel good on the bike and it got worse. In any case, today I chose the soft tire, I knew I would have to give everything I had at the beginning of the race to make up as many positions as possible and afterwards focus mainly on managing the situation. During the race I saw that I could control the pace pretty well. I could not have caught up with Alex and Marc, I just watched them from behind and it was a good battle. I will try in the future to improve the start of the weekend and the time attack to start a little bit ahead, because starting so far behind is not recommended to finish in the top 3. Finally, we still need to sort out that something we are lacking to stay with the two brothers."
You were the first "student" of the VR46 Academy, the first "fruit" of a great legacy we could say. What does it mean to you to bring Valentino Rossi's colors back to the Argentine podium ten years after his victory?
"It's wonderful. The team has a special relationship with the place and I have a great connection with South America in general, so it's even sweeter to make a perfomance like this and stand on the podium on Sunday. The third place goes to the whole VR46 group, those on the track and those working from Tavullia, each one of them is indispensable to have the good atmosphere that we have and make us go strong on the bike."
Let's go back to your troubled path on this day of celebration. What did you think in the more than 1,400 days away from your head? We imagine it was a long time to live.
"It was long, yes. I had moments when I felt like I was forgetting how good it could be to be here, I had time to think about whether I was still capable, I had time to wonder if I was doing enough. I had time to think about lots and lots of things, good and bad. Now I am not even able to say clearly how I feel, it will be the Prosecco - jokes the #21, today he is in a light mood - maybe I will tell you next week."
Irrespective of the sport, soccer or motorcycles, the cheering in Argentina is always very intense. What is it like to race here in that respect? Also, next year will be added the Brazilian round, a country very dear to you.
"I've already said it: I love this place. It's a big party in the city, pure South American style. Next year I am very happy to go to Goiania, for sure. For me it is very nice to have two races in South America because I love this way of life."
