Quartararo Fights for Fifth at 2022 Misano MotoGP

The action was red hot at Misano World Circuit Marco Simoncelli when the ENEOS-sponsored Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP team took to the stage with reigning world champion Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli at their respective helms.

El Diablo had a decent start from P8, and despite losing a position in the opening stages, he retaliated to end his first lap back where he started from. As riders crashed out early, he rose through the order and soon found himself in sixth hunting down the lead quartet, behind Aleix Espargaró.

With 22 laps remaining, Espargaró went wide in Turn 13, giving the Frenchman an invitation into the top 5. From that point it was a lonely ride. However, Quartararo continued to push, setting a new personal best on lap 20. While he tried his hardest to take fourth, Quartararo had to settle for fifth place, only 5.771sec from first.

“It was a tough race,” said Quartararo. “This was one of the first races where I didn’t have to worry about the front tire’s pressure or overheating. Fifth place is the position we deserved.”

Teammate Morbidelli started his home race from P11 and was in a busy mid-pack through the twisty opening section, dropping to 13th briefly and finishing his first lap in 12th position. He was eager to make up ground but had to end his weekend after only two laps when Di Giannantonio crashed in front, making contact unavoidable. Both riders were unhurt, but Morbeilli retired.

“It was an unfortunate situation because I was unable to avoid him,” Morbidelli said. “A pity, because I think I could’ve had a decent race. We’re getting better and it was looking like a lot of fun.”

Following the Misano GP, Quartararo’s championship lead is at 30 points, with 211 total points, while Morbidelli remains 19th with 26 points. Yamaha remains second in the manufacturer standings with 211 points and Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP is third in the team championship with 237 points.

NEXT RACE

Quartararo and Morbidelli take on MotorLand Aragón in Spain for Round 15 of the 2022 MotoGP World Championship, taking place September 16-18.