MotoGP: Morbidelli Ends Podium Drought Since 2018

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (Bernama) -- Petronas Yamaha Sepang Racing Team (SRT) Moto Grand Prix (GP) rider, Franco Morbidelli finally ended his podium drought since 2018 after finishing in second place at the Czech Republic GP at the Brno Circuit on Sunday. The 25-year-old Italian who commenced in the third spot on the starting grid took control of the early part of the race. However, South African rider, Brad Binder of Red Bull KTM Factory Racing displayed a sterling performance by pipping him during the 12th lap before he went on to clinch his maiden MotoGP title this season. Binder, the 2019 Moto2 runners-up, clocked 41 minutes 38.764 seconds, followed by Morbidelli and French rider, Johann Zarco of Esponsorama Racing in second and third place, respectively, behind by 5.266 seconds and 6.470 seconds. Morbidelli's teammate, Fabio Quartararo who secured back-to-back victory at the Spain GP and Andalucia GP at the Jerez Circuit last month, came in seventh place out of 18 riders, clocking 41 minutes 50.591 seconds in the 21-lap race. "I am really happy about this podium victory. I want it, I look for it all this week. We started well this weekend. We had a great pace since the first lap and I saw the clear chance to get it (podium finish). ‘’That's what I do in the race. I try to make a good start, then bring the bike to the end," he said in the post-race press conference. Morbidelli tasted his last victory when he rode for Belgian-based team, EG 0.0 Marc VDS Team in Moto2 class in 2017. The next race is the Austrian GP to be held at the Red Bull Ring Circuit in Spielberg, Austria from Aug 14-16. -- BERNAMA