On this Friday, September 18, fabio quartararo answered questions from journalists from Misano at the end of the first day of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French pilot.
As usual, we report here the words of fabio quartararo without the slightest formatting, even if the first part (vouvoiement) is translated from English.
fabio quartararo : “Things are going very well because above all we had a very good FP2, which was our main objective: we did a long run supposed to race, (the front hard and the rear medium). We did a long run and all the laps were in 1'32 so I'm very happy. Then we decided to attack the time with the rear medium, because I wanted to try that. It wasn't so bad and the feeling was good because I still have a little margin with the softness. The medium is very good but the soft has a little extra to attack the clock. So I'm very happy to be there, less than a tenth from the first. And yes, I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow to see our potential with the soft rear tire. »
The temperature seems slightly lower. Is that why you got a little hot?
« For the moment, the temperatures this afternoon are exactly the same as last week: It was over 40° on the track. So it's the same thing. This morning, watching the slow motion videos of many drivers, it seems that the tire wear is much greater. There was much more tire consumption. But this afternoon I was really happy because the tire consumption was very good and our pace was very fast. We still have different things to improve, but this morning let's say it was about tire consistency. »
Like last week, your pace seems fantastic, but you had some problems in the last race. Have you worked on anything specific to improve this?
« Yes ! Above all, my departures. And for now I'm very happy because during the test I think I did eight start simulations. And for the last one, I tried a completely different position on the bike to see how it would be. And with this completely different position and a different way of using the clutch and the throttle, it was… Wow! It looked like it could be really strong, and that's something that will be very good for the race, because out of the four start simulations I did today, three of them were much better than last week. So I'm very happy about that and also because it seems like we've found a little bit more about the pacing. We're also trying to find something to make it easier to overtake and I think we've found a little something in that area as well. So it was very positive today but I think we still need to work more with the worn tires because currently we are still suffering a little. »
This afternoon it looks like you also worked with items tried in the test. Is this reality?
« During the test we tried a lot of things, but the time between Tuesday and today was too short to draw any conclusions, because nothing was incredibly better between the test and the bike we are using. This morning, we changed some small electronic settings which helped us a little more. So yes, small details, and we will change other small things tomorrow because I think we can be a little faster when attacking the clock by changing some maps. In the end, it was good to do 106 laps on Tuesday to see what was better, what was worse and what was similar. It was good to do this test because we didn't do a lot of testing with the test driver, so I was my own test driver (laughs). »
Yesterday you said you were a little worried about the Suzukis. Is this still the case today?
« I don't know what to say about the Suzukis (laughs) because now, every time I talk about the Suzukis, everything turns into saying that I said their bike was perfect (laughs). But honestly, yes, I still worry about the Suzukis because I think they have a very good package: They were fast in Austria and they are fast here. Looks like we have something more, but yes, they will definitely be there on Sunday. It seems that everything went well for Mir today while Rins struggled a little more, but they will be there, as always. »
You say that you have slightly improved the bike's ability to overtake others. Does this imply that she also lost in some areas?
« Of course ! When you win in some areas, you lose in others. For me the most important thing is to try to be able to overtake more easily because I think we have to be too close to the limit when overtaking the other drivers. Let's say we sacrificed the bike's turning ability a little and overheated the braking a little too much, but we're still trying because our speed isn't the best. We will see during the race what the situation will be and how we will manage to overtake, but I hope that I will not have to overtake anyone (laughs) and that I will be able to start at the front, even if it will be the most difficult part of the weekend. But the positive is that I managed to make good starts this morning and this afternoon. After my pace, I think that's the thing I'm most satisfied with today, my start simulations. »
Tomorrow, will you focus on your race pace or will you also fight for the time?
« Of course, I plan to do a time attack in FP3 but I will mainly work on pacing at the end to try to find something more. In the end, we know that if everything is OK, we are already safe to move on to Q2. Everyone is very close but it would be strange if more than seven drivers did better than 1'31.6. I think everyone will be in 131 but I think our position is already pretty secure. Not 100%, but we will see our potential with the soft tire tomorrow morning. We will see. I'm pretty confident and we have something new to try tomorrow morning. No new parts but just adjustments to the bike. »
Since the start of the season, you were the leader. So you were the hunted and now you find yourself the hunter. Does that change anything in your approach to racing?
« No no. I have exactly the same feeling. I think the most important thing is to show that we have the rhythm, to show that we are there and that we are fighting for victory. I think the other day we showed it well. My number one goal is to try to get a front row and a good start, and not lose positions. Then it will be up to me to do the job. I made mistakes last week and I won't have to make them again this week. Like I said, I have to be ready for qualifying, and do the best I can. But I feel good, I have a good rhythm, so it will be fine. »
FP1/FP2 classification of the Emilia-Romagna MotoGP Grand Prix:
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
