Franco Morbidelli finished the MotoGP Catalan Grand Prix Sprint race in 11th place. It was a result below the expectations of the Prima Pramac rider, who was also penalized with a Long Lap for irresponsible riding following an attempted overtake on Álex Márquez (Gresini/Ducati).
The Prima Pramac man told the press: ‘I think it was because the episode I had with Álex. I just tried an overtake and probably it wasn’t precise enough for the stewards. I disagree, but it’s okay’.
Despite the penalty, Morbidelli acknowledged that his race was already compromised from the start: ‘I discounted the penalty and it’s okay. Anyway I was already not where I wanted to be and where I aim to be. I didn’t manage to start well, I didn’t manage to engage the front start device, so I had an awful start. And then my goals were already fading away’.
Regarding the reason for his difficulties with the start device, the Italian confirmed it was his mistake: ‘I wasn’t precise in the procedure as in the practice and I was unable to engage it’.