The second press conference as a prelude to the 2023 MotoGP Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez welcomed Maverick Vinales (Aprilia – SPA), Luca marini (Ducati – ITA) et fabio quartararo (Yamaha – FRA), respectively 4th, 6th and 7th in the championship.
As usual, we report here the words of fabio quartararo without any formatting, even if it is translated from English.
Fabio, in Texas, you came back very, very strong during the Grand Prix on Sunday. This podium came at just the right time for you and the team after a fairly difficult start to the season...
fabio quartararo : "
Yes, we had good pace, especially in Austin, and of course the podium did us good. The goal is to be on the podium for many more races and I think this is a good place to do it. Let's see how things go. »
You have a good record here, a good record because you did the double here in 2020. It was your first victory in MotoGP and the record in qualifying too. I think in five MotoGP races you have never started lower than second place. Do you know what you like about this circuit, or if it suits the Yamaha well?
« Well, I think both! We did a lot of laps on this circuit. It's a circuit that I really like. I've always been fast, even in Moto 3. In Moto 2 I've never been fast on any of the circuits, but in MotoGP I've been fast and I think it's going to be great. You know, we just need to focus and be clear, and set our sights on qualifying, because this year has been quite difficult. »
You'll have an important test here on Monday with only one more day of testing at Misano before the end of the season. How important is this test on Monday and what do you hope Yamaha brings? What areas do you hope to improve during this test?
« Well, from what I've heard, there aren't any big things. The problem, we know where it is, but we can't touch it for this year. We'll have a few things, but nothing crazy.
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And where are you hoping these little things can help you moving forward in the season?
« To be honest, I don't know! (Laughs). I report precisely where the problem is after the three races and where we can improve, given that we cannot touch the engine. And it's up to them to figure it out and try to, you know, find something that can help me in this area, especially the kind of tracks like Austin. »
Do you mean accelerated? Or the rear grip when exiting corners?
« You know, like many things: It's not just the acceleration, but we can't use the power because we have wheelies for a long time, and that's the main problem right now and we have to solve it . But if we put more fins, we're not very fast on the straights, so we can't put bigger fins. In the end, this is just one problem, but it brings many more. »
It appears that the new front tire pressure rules, which were due to be implemented this weekend, will be postponed at least until Mugello and may not come to fruition. Can I have your opinion on the matter?
« As long as they postpone it, it's fine. I mean any time they postpone it's great. You know, you always try to go lower and lower. Now the rule is postponed. We will do as usual. »
Álex Rins named you as the winner of the race and Jorge Lorenzo asked where you could pass the Ducatis. What do you think about where you might pass if you're not ahead of the race?
« Wherever I can (laughs). It's difficult because in 2021, I think cornering speed made the difference between the manufacturers: We were better in cornering speed. And last year that wasn't the case, it was really similar. I was behind Pecco and, you know, like we just said before, the pressure got really high, I couldn't stay close to him, so I couldn't overtake. But I think the last corner is a great place to overtake, but it's not easy. Last year, I didn't overtake anyone in the race. I hope we can turn things around for this race. »
