On this Thursday, June 3, 2021, Fabio Quartararo answered journalists' questions from the Catalan circuit during the traditional press conference which precedes each Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French driver, who is arriving this weekend in Catalonia with the status of solid leader of the championship. Big winner at Mugello last Sunday, the Niçois in fact totals 24 points ahead of his closest opponent in the rankings, who is none other than his compatriot John Zarco.
A lead which could further increase this Sunday, on one of the favorite circuits of the Yamaha rider, whose history in Montmeló is most flattering: First victory in Grand Prix in Moto2 in 2018, first podium in MotoGP the following year with a second place, and finally another victory last year.
As usual, we report here the words of Fabio Quartararo without the slightest formatting.
Four days ago you had a fantastic victory at Mugello, and this weekend here we are in Catalonia, which is a bit like your second home. You have always had good results here, we are thinking in particular of your victory in Moto2, and you are on a series of three podiums here, with another success last year. What makes this tour so successful for you?
" It is It's true that it's a track that I really like. Even in Moto3 I did very well there, and that's where I got my first victory [in Grands Prix]. As for MotoGP, it wasn't bad either, with a podium and a victory. It's clearly a track that suits my driving style well, so you have to make sure you have a good weekend. »
Four of the first six races of the season were won by Yamaha. You are clearly at your best, and the bike has clearly taken a leap forward, not to mention the valuable help of the holeshot device. To what extent do you attribute this good form to the progress made by Yamaha?
“The year last it wasn't easy to be fast because the sensations with the front weren't there, and I was in difficulty. But from the winter tests in Qatar I noticed that the sensations had returned: Those that I had in 2019 and which I ultimately missed last year. 2020 was really an irregular year: On some tracks I was fast, on others not. Valencia is a good example: It's a circuit where I'm used to being fast, but last year it was a real disaster. »
«2020 a vraiment été une année irrégulière”
"But It seems that this year I found these good feelings on each of the slopes we went to. There is eu indeed a massive progress forward compared to last year. Regarding the holeshot device, we know from Qatar that if we don't get a good start, it will be difficult for us to overtake later. If there are only one or two drivers in front, that's fine. But if we find ourselves in the peloton, it's very difficult. Yamaha did a remarkable job, and the victory at Mugello was great. With each outing you can feel at least a slight improvement. They really did a remarkable job. »
A few months ago we saw Marc [Márquez] sign a very long-term contract with his team, and this week this was the case for Brad [Binder]. Is this the kind of contract you would be interested in if your team offered it to you?
" For the moment I am focused on the present. Everything in its time. I'm not doing a bad job. I am already under contract for next year. It's something I'll think about [if the opportunity presents itself], but right now I'm just enjoying what I'm doing, and I'm just focused on that. »
Do you think that the presence of spectators in the stands this weekend will change anything, particularly in terms of driving?
" I I'm really happy that there are spectators. That said, the approach will remain the same. I think last year Misano was the first circuit where there were some, and even if there aren't many of them compared to what we've seen in the past, it's really great to see them. see and feel their support. And in case of victory, it is clear that it is better that there are spectators. »
Your beautiful gesture at Mugello with the Swiss flag [in homage to Jason Dupasquier, who died shortly before the race following an accident during Moto3 qualifying] was very appreciated in this country. Can you describe a little of the emotion you felt, as well as the relationship you had with Jason?
" That It was a tough weekend, really tough, and I think everyone raced for Jason at Mugello. I think it was very difficult for all his friends and family. It was important to pay tribute to him. I saw his parents the following Monday, and it definitely wasn't easy for any of us. I think what I did at Mugello was the minimum I could do. »
"This que j’ai fait au Mugello, c’était le minimum à faire”
You said that this circuit suited your driving style well. Can you tell us more?
" I I think I'm managing to maintain quite a bit of speed, especially in the last sector, where last year I was probably faster than I've ever been. It's a very smooth track, there are no aggressive changes of direction. Everything is coming together well. I can be aggressive, but also quite gentle, so it's a track that suits my riding well. »
