This Friday, August 19, 2022, fabio quartararo answered questions from journalists from the Red Bull Ring circuit at the end of the first day of the Austrian Grand Prix.
And despite an unfavorable track for his Yamaha M1, the Frenchman is there, playing at the forefront in the middle of an armada of Ducatis!
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).
Your time is good but what about your race pace?
fabio quartararo : "
The pace was good, but we know that on our own we always have a good pace, but in the race it changes every time. The good thing is it means we know we have the speed. Rins was also very fast and it's strange that he couldn't improve on the soft tire. But yes, I think our pace is very good, and it's a shame we got a yellow flag. We also had a bit of misunderstanding with the team about changing the front tire, and I had my best laps in laps three and four, so I think we have a bit of margin. »
You used the big discs: is it more difficult to turn?
« No. No, but I feel a pretty significant difference. In the first part of the brake attack, the brakes brake much more, and that's the only difference. And of course, for the temperature, we know that we suffered a lot in 2020, a little in 2021, and with these it is much better. »
How is the chicane?
« Well looking at the first sector, we are second, so of course it's better (laughs). »
You like it ?
« I actually prefer the old route, but in the end you prefer where you go fastest and what's best for you. And for us, it's better to have this slowdown. This goes first and I didn't expect it to be this tight. When you go there by walking or cycling everything seems big, but on the motorbike it is very narrow. But it's better this way for us. »
We saw you with Oliveira in the pit lane…
« I was joking, I just touched his saddle but it was just a joke. »
What do you think of sprint races on Saturday?
« But is it certain? »
They will announce it tomorrow...
« I think it's stupid! »
Why?
« I don't know, I think the race is on Sunday. I don't know why we would do anything on Saturday. Honestly, they didn't really ask us, and we all prepare intensely to have a good race on Sunday, but to have a sprint race on Saturday at every race, I think it's stupid! »
How do you manage to be the only bike in the middle of seven Ducatis?
« Like always ! I mean, I'm on the limit everywhere. I don't know if I'm going to turn, if I'm going to fall, if I'm going to make it. It's like that ! I struggle a lot, but it's either that or I complain all the time, and I think the best way to do it is to think about nothing and push myself to the limit. Hopefully next year’s bike will help us… »
Johann Zarco said the chicane was better for them and worse for you...
“My feeling is that for the first time in my life, I'm in the top three in the first sector, so I think it's better. »
Some say the new baffle doesn't shed water well. Is it true ?
« I don't know ! (At this point, Johann Zarco comes to point out that the chicane involves additional acceleration, which triggers laughter) I don't know but it's different and generally speaking the track dries quickly. »
So in fact, the chicane suits you?
« This is the first time I've been in the top 3 in sector 1 since we've been here, so I think it can only be better. »
Does this change anything only on one lap or on the distance of the race?
« I think that over the distance of the race, this can help, because in turn 2B I think we can slide a little bit on the left side which is already super soft. One more braking, one more acceleration, it can affect the rear tire a little. »
Better or worse?
« Not as good. »
Johann Zarco says it makes braking turn 3 easier because you get there slower...
« I think so, but I remember turn 3 was one of my strong points last year. But it was a place where I was losing too, because the straight was so long that I was losing time, so it's true that it's much easier to be consistent. But hey, we can't have everything, so I think that for us the chicane is better. »
Can we overtake at the chicane?
" No ! »
And in turn 3?
« In turn 3, it's hot too. It's difficult to know where you can overtake on this circuit now. »
Is this first day of testing a good surprise?
« Especially since we were expecting rain and we had dry sessions. I would have preferred the rain because honestly our bike is very similar to last year, and as soon as we leave we are already in the bath. For the others, it's true that they have a little more preparation, but when we see 7 Ducatis in the first 8, I think they are already ready. »
Tomorrow they will announce the new format for the races. It's not something you like...
« I think it's totally stupid! It's not me who makes the decisions on the race formats but I think we are entering into a race format which is totally stupid. Afterwards, doing it from time to time like in Formula 1, I think it can be interesting, but every Saturday... honestly, there are circuits where you physically struggle! Circuits like Assen, Mugello, when you finish the race you are rinsed! So knowing that we have another one the next day... honestly I don't think it's really right to do that without asking the pilots' opinions. Or at least mine wasn't asked. »
Results from FP2 of the MotoGP Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
