This weekend at Mans would almost announce itself as July 14th before its time. At the very least, this Grand Prix this France will be the national motorcycle festival with three French riders entered in the premier category. One of which we could well find on the podium while the other two will go in the hunt for points. But it would be wrong to believe that the show will end there. Two other compatriots will also want to show off in front of their audience: Fabio Quartararo and Jules Danilo!
One is in Moto2 and the other in Moto3. And both arrive for their national meeting at perhaps the best time of their season. Indeed, Sarthe could materialize their rise in power observed since the start of this campaign.
Take the cases of Quarterly. Seventh entering Qatar, the Pons driver then regretted a collision in Argentina before regaining points in Austin with twelfth position. In Jerez, he experienced the frustration of remaining on the verge of points. At Le Mans, he will be keen to show that he has adapted well to Moto2: “ it's a circuit that I really like and I really hope that the weather will be good » comments Fabio on motogp.com.
A remark on the weather which specifies the need for more regular driving on a wet track from the Frenchman who is starting this season in Moto2. However… " Apart from the first free practice session in Jerez, I have only ridden a little on a wet track on a Moto2, so I am slightly apprehensive. But I feel good in these conditions. In Spain, I knew how to keep calm while avoiding pitfalls. I am convinced that I still have room to go faster ».
As for Danilo, it seems that he saw the light at the end of the tunnel in Austin riding a new Honda with which he initially had trouble. In fact, Le Mans could see it shine brightly. And why not a splash? “ In Texas, we found a solution that allowed me to be more consistent. I can now fight for the Top 10 » points out the teammate Roman Fenati on motogp.com.
He also recalls his poorly rewarded speed at Jerez: “ When analyzing the race, it turns out that I was running in the same times as the leaders. With better qualifying, which I finished twenty-fifth due to a bad choice of tires, I am convinced that I could have played in this leading group, as I was able to do last year. "
Jules' ambition will be to enter the top 10, or even enter the top five. Last year, he started his performance well before having bad luck: “ during the previous French Grand Prix, I was fast from the first day, but unfortunately I made a mistake in qualifying during which I fell heavily. It was one of the biggest falls of my career, but I was back on my feet the next day to compete in the race… Finally Hanika came to hit me. "
« This year, you will have to be vigilant about the weather. We will also have a special tire allocation and medium will not be available. We usually use it in races or to chase lap times. I hope the new coating can make up for it ».
No, we must not forget Quarterly et Danilo this week-end !
