Miraculously emerged unscathed from a frightening accident on Sunday, Franco Morbidelli took back the handlebars this Friday with the particularity of having to face another Grand Prix on the same circuit. Few alterations to the protections of turn 3 do not change much to the chills that it would be legitimate to feel when passing it again for the first time, but the Italian driver nevertheless assures that he is not particularly afraid of this portion of the Red Bull Ring.
“It was a good day. We had to see if I was feeling good on the bike and yes, I do feel good, I don’t have a major problem riding the bike. Fortunately, this track is not not too demanding in general, just on the brakes and I feel pretty good on this point “, explains the pilot Petronas.
“I tried to tackle turn 2 straight down and luckily it wasn’t too much of a shock, especially since I didn’t fall because I had made a mistake but because of a other pilot “, he emphasizes.
Morbidelli concedes, however, that his return must be done in stages, and the idea of passing this same portion surrounded by drivers who can overtake him makes him think that his feelings will then be different. “When you pass this place alone, it’s easy. I think it will be different when I have motorcycles around me because at that point the brain will activate its memories and I clearly don’t no good memories in this corner with riders around me. i dont know how i will react then but i will try to do a few laps with other riders to see what it feels like to be close to other bikes on this bend. “
“No resentment” towards Zarco
In a few days, Franco Morbidelli claims to have vented the negative feelings that were able to seize him warmly, and which had led him in particular to pronounce violent accusations against Johann Zarco. He therefore refuses to pass any judgment on the nature of the sanction, namely a departure of the French from the pitlane on Sunday. “I do not care”, he assured on this precise subject. The important thing for him was that this step, which he considered necessary, be passed.
“I respect the decision of the marshals. I gave my opinion on this accident and my opinion is that it deserved a penalty, but I have no voice in the chapter as to the degree of penalty. It is up to the marshals and I am agree with their decision “, said the Italian pilot. Also very virulent on Sunday, Valentino Rossi also accepted this penalty without wishing to express himself at length, simply declaring: “The commissary panel decided the penalty, that’s their decision. Starting from the pitlane wastes a lot of time in the race, so they did something.”
Visibly appeased, Morbidelli claims to have turned the page: “For me the accident is over. From the moment I gave my opinion on the accident, the chapter of this story closed for me, and it was for the panel of commissioners that it was open. It’s their job to analyze the actions of the race and give penalties or not. Our job is to drive and provide them with the most detailed opinions possible. “
“I don’t need any kind of revenge on Johann, contrary to what some people think. I only have friendship for Johann, I’ve known him since we were kids. We raced together in pocket. bike. I have no resentment against him. I just gave my opinion on the accident and my opinion is that he should be penalized because he made a mistake. Of course, I made some strong comments afterwards the race because I was hot and I risk my life at 300 km / h, but I came back to that and said that I only had friendship for Johann. For me, the chapter is closed and I continue to do my job, which is to drive my best and do what I love. “
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