The Frenchman from Yamaha remains the solid leader of the championship with a 53-point advantage over Pecco Bagnaia , who is second in the World Championship, and 57 over Joan Mir, who is third, with five races to go. A huge margin that he could only squander if he makes big mistakes, precisely the ones his rivals are waiting for.
Quartararo did not fail in qualifying and will start again, as always, from the front row, although he has not achieved pole position since the Catalan Grand Prix , despite continuing to be the driver who has achieved it the most times this year, five times and consecutively between the Portimao and Barcelona races, before the summer break.
“Lately in some corners, especially on this circuit, we need a little more power. We are maxed out. It’s something very strange because with second or third gear we normally have a margin of power, but we have reached a point where there is nothing else. I can’t do anything, I’m at the limit and it’s hard to do better”, argued Fabio to understand why he hasn’t been on pole for so long.
“It is something that we have to work very well. We have to find out why we lack that power compared to the others”, he warned.
What the Frenchman from Yamaha does have is a devastating pace in 32.1 exhibited with used rubber during FP4.
“The rhythm is very good. It is a mode where we do not need all the power. Right now we have a very good feeling with the tires and the bike. In Q2, we made a change in the second start that went very well for us and I am curious to see how it will go with the new tire tomorrow, but our pace is very good and I feel very comfortable in that aspect”, he admitted.
With the time sheet in hand, Fabio ‘s race pace seems better than that of the Ducati .
“Rhythm we are a little better, but that is when we are alone on the track. Tomorrow with the red army that I have in front and behind, we will see what happens. Here the race is very long. Last year I made mistakes, so I’m not going to repeat them and I want to take my time, because 27 laps is too long.”
As the outstanding leader of the World Cup, Fabio’s closest pursuers are Bagnaia and Mir, some of the men to watch.
“No, in the end it is a race to be well ourselves, not to look at others. We have a good rhythm and I am comfortable with the bike. The important thing is to be focused and do our job. For nothing to be worried about one or the other ”, has settled the one from the Costa Azul .
(Click on the link or on the image to see all the photos of Fabio Quartararo at the 2021 MotoGP San Marino GP)
