"In my opinion, the race went just fine." Those were Franco Morbidelli's first words in the post-race press conference at Misano he headlined after scorching to a maiden MotoGP victory in the San Marino Grand Prix.
Apparently nothing seems to faze the Petronas SRT rider. If the world of motorcycle racing and MotoGP is thrash metal, then Morbidelli is some laid-back reggae. More than most, he understands how to put things into perspective because it's not been the easiest of roads to Misano 2020.
Evidently an exceedingly talented racer from a young age, luck never quite seemed to be on his side. When Morbidelli was 11, he was signed onto Pramac's development programme, only for the deal to fall through. Lacking in funds to try and crack the world stage, he turned towards the World Superbike paddock and the European Superstock 600 class - hardly a breeding ground for future MotoGP champions.