Randy De Puniet, former motorcycle rider, looks back on the last MotoGP tests in Mandalika.
Port Anna Motosan
The last time that Randy De Puniet was seen competing in the MotoGP World Championship, it was in the category MotoE, precisely in 2019. In addition to this, he also works as a journalist as a retired pilot at Canal+. As a Frenchman, De Puniet spoke about everything that surrounds the world to which he is linked, making special mention to Fabio Quartararo et Johann zarco, the representatives of the French flag in the queen class.
It begins with an assessment of the forces present, interviewed during the offseason: “ winter testing was done and completed a few days ago, so we have an idea of what can happen in Qatar. Obviously, our two French drivers are pretty good. For Fabio, I think the season is going to be a little more difficult than last year. All the other bikes have improved a lot, whether Ducati, Honda, Aprilia or Suzuki, but unfortunately Fabio's bike has not improved as much as he would have liked. It still has this engine deficit that Yamaha has always had for twenty years in Grand Prix. So, for Fabio, it’s not easy. We see that he is the only rider who managed to be in front with a Yamaha, so Yamaha must ask itself questions and try to take a step forward »
Randy de Puniet: “the Honda has progressed, it seems less difficult to drive”
De Puniet also observed the situation of Marc Márquez. "JHe thinks Marquez is in good shape and he will be there. He has eaten his black bread these last months and these last years and he has prepared himself well. The Honda has progressed, it seems less difficult to ride, and as proof, Pol Espargaró also drove very well in Indonesia. Watch out for Márquez… We might have a Márquez – Quartararo duel for the title, that would be great« .
About the reigning world champion he predicts: “ Fabio Quartararo has no choice : with its lack of top speed, to use the potential of your machine and its driving, you have to be alone. Last year we saw him escape from the lead, widening the gap, and that's what he will have to do even more this year. So there is a lot of pressure for Fabio during qualifying, and this is what hampered him a little during the winter tests: he was not able to achieve great times as he did last year. He will therefore think and he has 15 days to try to understand how this new bike works, qualify on the front row and aim for victories. »
