Morbidelli managed simply two factors in Portimao’s opener however, as Quartararo continued to endure a mixture of setbacks in Argentina, the Italian had his greatest weekend since a podium at Jerez 2021.
Certainly, the previous vice-world champion’s pair of fourth locations at Termas means he has already scored half as many factors as he did all of final season.
“My greatest weekend shortly. I am pleased with it. We have been quick in numerous circumstances, half and half, moist, dry. It is optimistic,” mentioned Morbidelli.
“I will hold my ft on the bottom, and I am conscious that on this class it’s extremely straightforward to fall or come again up, as we have seen. However I see it as an enormous injection of confidence for me, and for the group as effectively. I am unable to wait to see if the enhancements and good emotions I had right here carry over to Austin.
Simply 1.5s off the dry dash podium, Morbidelli was fourth for the primary half of Sunday’s race within the rain, shifting into third when Francesco Bagnaia crashed.
However Morbidelli, like Alex Marquez up entrance, could not resist Johann Zarco’s late climb, pushing him into fourth on the flag.
“I began having a variety of bother with the again grip, sadly,” Morbidelli mentioned.
“I gave every part to maintain my place, however Johann’s potential was a lot better. So sadly I could not (hold the rostrum). I actually wished to, however I could not.
“I felt the rostrum yesterday and I felt it as we speak, however I did not fairly get it. Anyway, it was an awesome weekend for me, and now we have to construct on it.
Grip, together with straight-line pace, has been the principle limitation of the M1 in current seasons.
The 28-year-old rider discovered the additional engine efficiency from this yr’s powertrain to be a lift within the moist as effectively, however Ducati stays the “benchmark” as an entire package deal.
“Sensation just like dryness. There are areas the place we lose in comparison with Ducatis, which is the goal and the benchmark,” mentioned Morbidelli. “However the package deal undoubtedly labored this weekend. The enhancements the bike has made on the straight are additionally useful within the moist. So let’s have a look at what occurs sooner or later.
Morbidelli’s 21 factors put him ninth general in the beginning of the world championship, three factors and one place forward of Quartararo.
The Frenchman, trailing Morbidelli in Friday follow, qualifying and the Dash, was pushed again on the primary lap of Sunday’s race earlier than dropping again to seventh place.
