As detailed previously (see here), Moto2 and Moto3 tests will take place tomorrow and Wednesday at the Red Bull Ring.
Leopard Racing will therefore be present and, for this time, Fabio Quartararo will have a person to "side the track, and not just anyone since it is neither more nor less than Randy de Puniet, the most experienced and the most “capable” of the French MotoGP riders of the last 10 years.
We had already noticed the rapprochement between the young Niçois and the current Ktm MotoGP test rider, so we contacted Randy de Puniet to obtain more details on this friendly initiative.
Randy, how did the most experienced French MotoGP rider meet the youngest French hopeful and decide to work together?
“In fact, we have known each other for a long time, at least 10 years and I had already ridden with him, when he was very young, on a Conti in Alès, in 2009 perhaps. Afterwards, we didn't really lose touch, but I had my things to do and so did he. However, I followed what he did in Spain, right up to his Moto3 titles. When he arrived in the Grand Prix, I followed him from afar, because I was no longer on the circuits. And as I know that he sometimes looks for people to play sports, and that we don't live very far from each other, it started like that, by doing a little sport together; karting, cross-country, cycling, etc.
And as we get along well, he asked me if I was available to come to a test session with him. The idea was all the more exciting because, during tests, we can work more calmly, without pressure, compared to a race. It allows me to see what I can really bring to the side of the track. So I'm going to do the classic trackside work; watch him, compare him to other drivers, take his tests, etc., and I think I can contribute something because, until now, he didn't really have that on his side to help him. With my experience as a driver, I can probably help him in different areas, on and off the track. In driving but also to manage more behavioral reactions to racing situations. That could be a plus. We'll see… "
Is this a one-off operation or longer term?
“For now, it’s just for these tests. In any case, between my tests for Ktm and my presence on Eurosport, it would not be possible to be present at a Grand Prix alongside him. On the other hand, continuing to train physically together is playable. In any case, we will make a first assessment after these tests in Austria. »
In this operation, what excites you the most; pass on your knowledge or help Fabio progress?
" It is a whole. It's cool to see a motivated young person like Fabio, who has great potential. But at the moment it's not going very well and there are a lot of little things that didn't work, so if I can help him have a better end to the season, that would be positive. »
So that we can see how close you are, how many times a week do you call each other?
“Usually three or four times. Either to play sports together, or, when we can't, give him advice from a distance. But even when we play sports, we work more than we play. For example, in karting or cross-country, we don't push ourselves; for example, I tell him “attack for 20 minutes without making a mistake”. Then I stand right behind him and note every little mistake, if he makes any. It allows you to work on situations that you might find in racing. »
