MotoGP Silverstone, Morbidelli: “I don’t have a contract but am motivated”

Franco Morbidelli attends the Silverstone press conference as a soon-to-be former Yamaha rider. Two press releases issued by Yamaha on Thursday confirmed both the split with Morbido at the end of the year and the hiring of Alex Rins for 2024. A cold shower for #21 who is at serious risk of being left out on the cold after the riders’ market closes.

“I spent a few days on the Amalfi Coast and had a lovely time”, begins Morbidelli, talking about his recent vacation. "Then I went home and relaxed with friends, family and my girlfriend, recharging the batteries ready for the second part of the season. I also attended Luca Marini’s wedding – he and Marta were amazing, it was a wonderful, Luca-style event.”

As for the relationship with Yamaha, the technical situation and the hiring of Rins, he comments: “I’ve been with Yamaha for my entire MotoGP career, we’ve achieved some great results and I had some great seasons earlier on while the last two have not been positive. But I have a good relationship with the entire team and we’ll remain close on a personal level. It’s no secret that we’re not doing well and that the package is not there. This, combined with the fact the manufacturer was talking to other riders, broke the magic a little. I too had doubts about whether to stay, but the team made my decision easier by not renewing the contract and opting for Rins, who’s a great rider. I’m in a bit of a tricky position, because I don’t have a ride for next year but this can serve as motivation for the second half of the season.”

Morbidelli-Yamaha

As for his future, Franco explains: “I feel strong and, at 28, am still relatively young. I’ve experienced so much in MotoGP, even having the chance to fight for the championship. I’m sure the Academy will do its best to help me get back up and find opportunities.”

In terms of the current championship situation, Morbidelli has this to say: “The European manufacturers are a step ahead, but you should never count the Japanese out. They’ve shown that they can rule in this world, and they’re definitely not happy. They will work to close the gap and perhaps overtake the Europeans...”

He then talks about his motivation heading into the second half of 2023: “I always try to do my best. My week hasn’t been so bad – there have been a lot of apologetic looks and that’s a pity, but this is racing. There is always something that can motivate you. I’m now a free agent and am motivated…”

Morbidelli: “I didn’t want to be Yamaha’s plan B”

The Italo-Brazilian returns to the subject of his split with Yamaha, clarifying: “I didn’t want to be a plan B but was unsure as to my future. The best person to ask about Yamaha’s plans was, and is, Lin Jarvis. It’s not my fault if he wasn’t available.”