Fabio Quartararo, one of the contenders for the MotoGP title this season, spoke to the Motosan microphone going into details of his recent contract with the factory team and providing an update on pre-season testing.
fabio quartararo (Nice, France, April 20, 1999) begins what will be his second season in the premier category in the colors of Yamaha Petronas SRT. With a rookie of the year title, the French driver has immersed himself in physical and mental training which allows him to position himself as one of the favorites in the fight for the title of World Champion. In addition, the Niçois assured his future a few months ago by signing a contract with the official team Yamaha as a teammate of Maverick Vinales.
Question: During the last Sepang tests we were able to see you at the top of the timesheet, does this give you extra confidence for the start of the season? How has the 2019 preseason Fabio changed compared to the current Fabio?
Answer : " nWe're happy with how the whole pre-season has gone. Our main objective during these tests was to work on our race pace, which was surely what we lacked at times last season. The timed lap is something where we have already demonstrated that we can be fast. The simulated race in Qatar was very positive, but in the end it's just a test, the important thing is to do well in the race. We will now see when we can start the season, I hope as soon as possible, but health first »
Q: What were your feelings during this pre-season?
A: « as I mentioned the sensations are very good, I think we can be satisfied with the work we have done so far. With the new bike we have made progress compared to last year, but it is also true that I need a little more time to adapt 100% »
“In testing in Qatar we saw that the times were tighter than ever, so it looks like the differences are minimal and it is possible that we have a big front group. Everything will depend on the circuits and the conditions in which we will be, but we want to be present in all the races possible. »
Q: A few weeks ago your signing with the Monster Yamaha team was confirmed. Were you surprised that Yamaha opted for a young talent like you? When did the first contacts begin?
A: “ I think the agreement with the official Yamaha team is a reward for the great season we had in our first appearance in the category. From day one, I received great support from PETRONAS Yamaha SRT and Yamaha, and I am very grateful for that. There has always been a relationship with Yamaha and we have been talking for months. We were finally able to close the deal last January. »
Q: After almost 15 years on Yamaha, Rossi will leave the M1 to make way for new talents: would you have liked to share the box with him?
A: « Rossi has not yet announced his retirement. We will see what he decides and, if he continues, we will enjoy and continue to learn from him. Riding with him on the track is already a dream. »
Q: This season will be your second year in the premier category. Last year you fought several times with Marc Márquez. How do you think you can beat Marc Márquez? Do you think it's more a question of motorcycling, of riding...?
R. « If Marc is doing well, you need everything to beat him. Last year I think we did a great job across the board. Maybe we were missing an experience that we can only get by completing races, more races. We will work as hard as possible to come back with options to beat him or whoever competes for victory.. »
Q: During this season it has been said several times that your riding style is very similar to that of Jorge Lorenzo: do you think this can be an advantage in terms of competition?
A: “ I think my driving style, like Jorge's, adapts very well to the characteristics of the M1, and that means we can be fast. I am very comfortable driving it. »
P: “Speaking of Lorenzo. One day, after confirming your transfer to the Monster Yamaha, it became official that Jorge was joining the team as a test rider: could this be a plus in your adaptation to the M1? What do you think can bring you signing Lorenzo as test driver?
A: “ With Jorge we have a good relationship and we have already talked about the M1 at Sepang. He was MotoGP world champion with this bike. In addition, he has experience with other brands, so he can beaucoup help perfect and evolve the motorcycle. He has a lot to contribute and, surely, if he can also make wild cards, it will help us to develop the bike. »
Q: We saw you exchange sensations: what were his first pieces of advice? Was he able to reveal some secrets of the Yamaha to you?
A: “ In the end, Jorge was able to do few laps at Sepang, but yes, we exchanged sensations. We always learn by listening to drivers with as much experience as him. »
Q: After a great year, many brands have named you on their list of possible drivers. If you hadn't signed with Monster Yamaha, would you have liked a change of scenery?
A: “ As I said, I am very grateful to my team and to Yamaha for allowing me to move from Moto2 to MotoGP last year. I have always been very comfortable with this team and with this bike; it was my priority. I am very happy to have reached an agreement with Yamaha and to be able to ride the same bike for the next 3 years. Having this stability gives a lot of confidence. »
Q: After seeing how the last pre-season tests went, which drivers will be fighting for the title this year?
A: “ In the end, to fight for a title, everything has to be perfect and you have to make very few mistakes. Testing can be a little tricky because you don't know what each one is testing. I think we'll have to wait until the first 3 or 4 races, whatever they are, to really see who will be in front. »
