Between Fabio Quartararo, defending champion in MotoGP, and his employer Yamaha, things really seem off to a bad start for a rapid renewal and in the jubilation of the story that began in 2019 under the Petronas awning. And firstly because the result at Losail is clear: it is a friendly route for the M1 which has achieved success there ten times out of the 18 Grands Prix which have been contested there since 2004. However, the ninth place taken by the Frenchman during the last round near Doha which launched the 2022 campaign is quite simply the worst result ever achieved by a Yamaha on this circuit. And Fabio Quartararo has nothing to do with it…
He has nothing to do with it because he closed his Qatar Grand Prix 2021 in 42'23.741 after 22 laps compared to 42'23.997 this year. If Yamaha also says that its engineers worked on the M1 during the off-season, we are still looking for the added value of such mobilization... The words of fabio quartararo on arrival were full of restraint but quite clear on the general feeling: “ I started very well. I pushed as hard as I could and then the rear tire deteriorated. To be honest, I don't know why. With a little more rhythm, we couldn't have done better. That is the problem ". The bitterness is clear: “ I gave 100%, I can't do more ».
His manager Eric Mahe experienced this frustration up close but remains diplomatic: “ we talked about technical progress with Yamaha at the end of last season. For reasons that I cannot cite, it is less promising than expected, so here we are instead trying to evaluate what 2023 could be, as far as the technical package is concerned. ».
“Fabio Quartararo’s anger shouldn’t even be explained”
That's for those interested, but observers who have no stake in the matter can let go. And say out loud what the majority thinks quietly. Take the case ofOscar Haro, former sporting director of the LCR Honda team, who spoke thus on Motoracing : " the way they started the championship is a disaster. It is obvious that the engineers and technicians did not do their duty. I can't say who gave me the information, but when a pilot tells you his engine is lacking power, you can't tell him it's a 4 in a row. Because Suzuki also has this configuration and it's an airplane. Yamaha rested on its laurels, they had a very balanced bike. Honda took a step forward more than anyone, Suzuki did the same and Yamaha stayed. Fabio Quartararo's anger shouldn't even be explained ».
And now ? “ My job is to be prepared and focused for each race. I give my 100% in all conditions. This is something I will continue to do » says fabio quartararo which awaits Mugello. The Italian stage will be held from May 27 to 29, on this date, according to Tuttomoriweb, the champion Yamaha in title expects a significant update to gain a few tenths per lap, particularly on certain tracks where the wheelie phenomenon is less obvious. We are of course talking about a new fairing: “ the old package is from 2019, but I think we could have another one at Mugello. We tested this aerodynamics at Sepang and we didn't lose much,” underlines the Nice native. But we clearly need an aerodynamic package with fewer wings. We need more speed ».
As for the transfer market, Fabio Quartararo although it may be an opportunity, everything is less open and the table on which left the keys has been smaller since the Qatar Grand Prix. Pol Espargaro seems more than capable of aiming for big results at Honda and Livio Suppo, Racing Consultant, now working at Suzuki seems determined to renew the contract ofAlex Rins and Joan mir. Ducati, for its part, has more than one talent at home and KTM, with Pedro Acosta in Moto2 and Raul fernandez in MotoGP can say the same. MaybeAprilia remains, but they can already count on Aleix Espargarò and Maverick Viñales. Not to mention that the bill to pay to secure the Frenchman's services could be too steep. And all this, Yamaha also rated it.
