PETRONAS Yamaha Sepang Racing Team’s (SRT) Franco Morbidelli wants to make a lasting impression in the second half of the MotoGP season, which resumes this weekend.
The Italian is 11th in the MotoGP standings with 52 points following top-five finishes in Assen and Austin as well as three other top-10 results.
“I would rate the season a 7.5 so far. We’ve been fast but inconsistent. I made mistakes that I shouldn’t have in the first half of the season,” said Morbidelli.
“But we still have the second half of the season to score as many points and move up the standings.
“Currently, there are many riders fighting for the top positions, and it’s great to be in that fight.
“I’ve been fighting in races with riders who have won races and been on the podium. With the fight so close, it’s the small details, circuit characteristics and luck that will probably decide the final outcome. This motivates us to work even harder for success.”
Records show that the former Moto2 world champion, who edged Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah to the MotoGP Rookie of the Year title last season, does better in the second half of the season.
“The numbers say I’m better in the second half of the season. In 2016, I was either first or second overall in the second part of the year and 2017, I won the (Moto2) championship,” added Morbidelli.
“For now, the plan for the summer break is to target the areas where we’re lacking in and to also recharge.
“I would like to improve grip under acceleration during the second part of the year.”
The season will resume with the Czech Republic Motorcycle Grand Prix this weekend.