Franco Morbidelli tells us how he spends his time at home in Italy

Michelle Liew

March 20, 2020

Despite the restriction, Franco Morbidelli is still able to make full use of his time by training and learning new instruments!

Franco Morbidelli | Photo credits: Petronas SRT

The outbreak of the Covid-19 has left many throughout the world in despair. Majority of the people have opt for self-quarantine and in Malaysia, a movement control order was implemented by the government from March 18 to the 31st. In tandem to that, race and matches have been cancelled and the star players have expressed their feelings during a time like this. Italian Franco Morbidelli, a key racer for Petronas Yamaha SRT, has taken the liberty to share with readers on how he is holding up at home.

When asked about the restrictions at home (Italy), Morbidelli says that “At the moment in Italy we have to stay at home, the restrictions are mainly that you don’t leave your house unless it is to buy food or for some other important matter. This has been since last Monday, so it is over a week now, but I hope that the situation is going to end soon,” says the 24-year-old as quoted from Sepang International Circuit. 

Despite that, Morbidelli is not giving up on training and has opted to do so at home.

Photo credits: Petronas SRT

“I am training in the only way possible at the moment, at home. I’m trying to stay in shape but without leaving my house. I can go running if I stay within the land boundaries of my household so I am doing that, but not much more. Of course, it is not my usual training routine that I do at the gym, but I am staying in shape and staying sharp.”

There is no doubt that staying at home can be boring but it is also a reason to discover new talents and pick up new hobbies! “I cannot follow the plan that we had but having this much time at home means I can try things I had to put to one side because of all the duties that I have during the racing season, that I didn’t have time for. I have some instruments and I am trying to learn to play them. It’s not easy!! I need to practice a lot! Maybe by the end of this thing, I will be able to play the harmonica and ‘cajon’.”

In case you missed out, the MotoGP event was cancelled during the Qatar Grand Prix, which was meant to be the season opener. However, the Moto2 and Moto3 races continued to take place with success. Morbidelli certainly did not miss out on the races.

“I did watch the races in Qatar, John was awesome! He had a great race and was able to get the second spot, so that was good. It was nice to be able to follow Xavi and Jake in Moto2 and also John and KIP in Moto3 but was also a bit sad, as I wasn’t there. It was nice because I could also follow my friends and cheer for them, without the pressure of the race there. Was mixed feelings though as you have the feeling that you are supposed to be there.”

Photo credits: Petronas SRT

Morbidelli has expressed his wishes to the people in Italy, hoping that even during hard times like these, everyone is still able to pull through. He has also taken some time to reassure the MotoGP fans that things hopefully be on track as soon as possible.

“My message to all the Italian fans and people in the same situation around the world is to stay calm, take it easy, and respect what the World Health Organisation says. We should try to enjoy the time we are at home and get the maximum from it. We can do things at home that we usually don’t have time to do.”

“For all the MotoGP fans: we are having a little bit of a rest right now but hopefully we will be on track soon. When we are, we’ll be able to go back to doing our thing with even more power and energy than before!”

Photo credits: Petronas SRT