Morbidelli: Yamaha’s title favourite?

Franco Morbidelli was Yamaha’s highest-placed rider last year, securing three victories and title runner-up spot to Joan Mir. The Italian put a tough 2019 behind him and rose to the top of the pile when Yamaha desperately needed somebody to lead them through difficult times. Morbidelli did that on the 2019 A-Spec M1, a bike which he will ride once again in 2021, albeit with some upgrades which will be revealed at the Qatar test this weekend. Such is the ability of Morbidelli on the 2019 bike, Yamaha are now focusing on making this year’s 2021 factory M1 a hybrid of the two machines. They want to create something similar to that which Morbidelli and crew chief Ramon Forcada have created, and almost perfected, in the last 12 months, whilst Forcada will be invaluable with regards to utilising upgrades.

Team Director Johan Stigefelt said: “Ramon and Franky have found a way that the other three Yamaha riders didn’t do in terms of chassis setup – and that’s the thing, it’s about the settings themselves, not just about new parts. We need to work on the package we have. Franky has been working on his bike for two years now and it’s just getting better and better.”

Morbidelli is the most chilled rider in the paddock and doesn’t allow his emotions to get the better of him, a trait not shared by either factory men Fabio Quartararo and Maverick Viñales.

He also has a new weapon in his arsenal: Valentino Rossi. Morbidelli gets the chance to work alongside his VR46 Academy teacher and racing idol. Now, that could be invaluable.