This Thursday, April 7, 2022, Fabio Quartararo answered questions from journalists from the Circuit of the Americas in Austin ahead of the Grand Prix of the Americas.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French driver who currently occupies 5th place in the championship.
As usual, we report here the words of Fabio Quartararo without the slightest formatting, even if it is partially translated (vouvoiement in English, tutoiement in French).
Fabio, the start of the season was difficult and inconsistent. What do you expect this weekend here?
Fabio Quartararo: « Yes, it wasn't an easy start. In Argentina, our pace wasn't bad but we struggled a lot during the first laps and I slipped quite far back. It was difficult to recover positions because I felt our pace was very good but we couldn't really use our riding style because the grip was a little less. No, it hasn't been an easy race but here last year it didn't go bad and I think we can get a very good result here. »
Last year you finished second behind Marc Márquez. Is it time this weekend to attack more than you did last October?
« Yes, last October I was in a totally different position than now, so of course I'm going to ride in a slightly more relaxed way than a few months ago. We'll see how the new asphalt is and I hope it offers a lot of grip because I think now it's the most important thing that can predict our weekend. Yes, I'm looking forward to it because I feel like it could be a really good weekend. »
Three different winners on three different bikes, and nine different riders on the podium: Are you surprised by this unpredictable start to the season?
« Yes, of course, it has been completely different from last year. It's a completely different start to the season, with nine different drivers on the podium and three different winners, so I think it was fun for the fans, and we'll see if we can have a really good weekend here. »
We are here at the home Grand Prix for Monster: Are your discussions with Yamaha advanced and when do you think you will make your decision?
«
I don't really think about that for myself. In the end, it's a normal Grand Prix. We're here in Monster land, so of course I'll do my best. As for my future, we will see when I make my decision. »
This is the 500th Grand Prix organized by Dorna. Which is the first one you remember?
« For me, it was in 2005 in Jerez, when there was the fight between Valentino and Sete. This race is one of the races after which I really wanted to be a MotoGP rider. »
Isn't it frustrating not knowing how your bike will perform this weekend, depending on the track's grip level?
« A little, yes, because in the end it's, I wouldn't say frustrating, but before starting the weekend you know that if the grip is not sufficient, your chances are less. This is therefore the point on which we must progress, apart from the top speed. But this year we have to focus on that and try to turn a corner. But you know, every time I start a weekend, I have the same mentality to give the best of myself, try to have the same best possible pace and do the best possible race on Sunday. But it's true that you never know what to expect beforehand. But the most important thing is to believe in yourself and try to achieve what you think you can do during the weekend. »
