Fabio Quartararo returns this weekend to the place that crowned him as MotoGP world champion: the San Marino Grand Prix, in Misano. The Yamaha rider lands in the Riviera di Rimini leading the general, with a comfortable cushion of 32 points over Aleix Espargaró, his closest pursuer.
Quartararo declared before the media in the traditional Thursday press conference, and called the Misano circuit “a special place”. ” In 2019 I fought for the victory for the first time and last year I got the MotoGP title. In the first race [of 2021] I was also fighting with Pecco,” he added.
In addition, he arrives in high spirits after having been able to put Ducati’s arsenal in trouble at the last Austrian Grand Prix. The Frenchman, despite having a mechanically inferior mount, managed to rise to second position, with a cheered overtaking of Jack Miller.
“Austria was something quite special, I was always in the middle of them,” he explained. “Half of the grid are Ducati. They have very good riders and good bikes. Also, Aleix is going fast on all the circuits, so it’s not just a Ducati thing. But in Austria I was surrounded,” he said with a laugh.
But he acknowledges that it was a “tough” race. “They [Ducatis] manage acceleration in a very similar way, but I have a completely different riding style, so it’s very difficult for me to overtake.”
“Sometimes I can’t have the cornering I’m used to and I have to do some strange overtaking, but we’re able to keep up with them. The hard part is overtaking them, but I think the experience in Austria will help me in the future.”
Looking ahead to this weekend, the one from Nice does not dare to make predictions. “It’s already difficult to fight to be ahead, but if I also have to dedicate myself to predicting who is going to be by my side… you ask too much of me,” he joked. “My job this weekend is to do my best, whether I have Aleix, Pecco or eight Ducati by my side.”
What he is clear about is the program that he will follow in the tests that will be held next week on the Adriatic track itself. “We are going to test the 2023 bike and engine. We already had a small test in Barcelona, and it seems that here we are going to be able to test it better.”
Quartararo was also asked about the ‘sprint’ races that will become part of the championship in 2023 and about which he poured strong criticism in Austria. “This year, you prepare for the race in FP4. But if only FP1 and FP2 are going to count [for qualifying for Q2], you have to be fast from the first practice. FP2 will be the only time you can prepare for the race. I think that will be the most difficult.”
Referring to Andrea Dovizioso’s withdrawal at the end of this Grand Prix, Fabio wishes him “the best”. “I have known Andrea since I entered this world. He is a driver who has maintained himself at a high level for a long time and has achieved many things.”
Finally, ‘El Diablo’ was asked about the appointment, for the remainder of the season, that he would like it to be cancelled. “I would remove Aragón. It is a circuit that I have never liked, I don’t know why. I have always been fast, but in the race I never finish getting a good result. If I had to cancel one… there are already too many races in Spain “.
Do you want to read our news before anyone else and for free? Follow us here on our Telegram channel and you won’t miss a thing. All the information, at your fingertips!
