MotoGP, Fabio Quartararo: “Jorge Lorenzo is one of my idols”

One step away from the end of the season, the death knell of which will sound after the Valencia Grand Prix this weekend, the revelation of the year, Fabio Quartararo looked back on his first year in MotoGP, commenting in passing on the news of the day concerning the choice of Jorge Lorenzo not to continue the Honda adventure next season. 

At 20 years old, it is in the most beautiful way that Fabio Quartararo entered the premier category this season. With 6 podiums, 5 pole positions, he was crowned “rookie” of the year and could also win the title of best independent driver after the Valencia race.

Through an interview given to motosan, the tricolor thus took stock of its season, giving itself a score of 8,5 out of 10 in view of the performances achieved. “ I made a few blunders, but that's normal because it was my first season. In the end, I am very happy with the journey taken even if we can do better. 8,5 is a very good rating » commented the Nice resident.

As for whether his first victory could come in Valencia this weekend, he said: “  I don't have to focus on that but on the work to do to achieve it… if we work well, why not? I am confident and from this point of view, it can do it. » Considering the journey taken, such a level reached so quickly, did he expect it? “  No, especially not this early. We did a really good job this season and I hope to be even better next year » confides the Petronas pilot. In the struggle which opposed him to Marc Marquez twice this season with a view to victory, what lessons has he learned? : “ it was difficult to digest. But what matters is that I continued my learning. Especially resisting pressure, things like that. I learned from Marc but also from other drivers » explains Franco Morbidelli’s teammate.

What about 2020, your ambitions? Will this be the year Fabio Quartararo on the Yamaha? “ To tell you the truth, I don't think about that. We are still in 2019 and we are already talking about 2021. I want to make the most of 2020, then we can think about 2021 in due time.” indicates the rookie of the year. 

The news of the day which resounded like a clap of thunder in the paddock is the end of the idyll between Jorge Lorenzo and Repsol Honda at the end of the 2019 season, just after the Valencia race. How does he feel about this brutal end to his career? “ first of all, I don't know if he is going to retire, it seems so. For me, he was a role model in terms of his riding style on the Yamaha or on another bike. He will have been an example for many, a legend. He is one of my idols. I am happy to have met him and to have sympathized with him. »