Can Morbidelli return to top form?
It’s strange that Franco Morbidelli has become the forgotten man. Although he didn’t win the title, the Italian was the standout star of 2020, securing three victories on his year-old, satellite Yamaha M1 to finish second overall.
He was a real class act and was tipped for glory in 2021. Sadly, Morbidelli remained on the 2019 bike, to the outrage of many, and he also suffered a serious knee injury that derailed his season.
Happily, he’s now close to 100% fitness and Yamaha have finally rewarded him with a spot in the factory team on the 2022 M1.
It’s great news, but what will he achieve in a world dominated by Ducati and his world champion teammate, Fabio Quartararo?
Wins and podiums, that’s the answer, at least on tight and twisty circuits. He’ll reap the benefits of having the latest M1, which, to Quartararo’s dismay, isn’t a million miles away from the 2021 bike that led Quartararo and Viñales to a total of six wins.
Morbidelli has the talent to win, we know that. He also has the correct mindset and is considered to be the most chilled-out rider in MotoGP. Morbidelli always sees the bigger picture and doesn’t allow a bad session to get on top of him. That’s a big bonus when you’re on a bike that is up to 6mph slower down the straights!
And therein lies the problem. It’s not Morbidelli’s riding that will block a title attempt – it’s his M1. The inline-four engine has only had minor changes over the years, with Ducati and Honda pulling away in the power wars. Even Suzuki have found improvements this year, whilst the V4 KTMs and Aprilias are no slouches.
Morbidelli has the class to overcome this at some circuits, but a title charge might be too much to ask.