On this Monday, June 7, 2021, fabio quartararo answered questions from journalists from the Barcelona-Catalunya circuit following the MotoGP test.
We went to listen (via teleconferencing software) to the words of the French pilot who was bombarded with questions, not for his performance of the day,
As usual, we report here the words of fabio quartararo without the slightest formatting, even if the first part is translated from English (vouvoiement).
fabio quartararo : " Overall we tried some new electronic settings, and I also wanted to try various things regarding my riding style today looking at some points where Miguel was much stronger than me. So what I wanted to try was more about my riding style than anything else. But we tried some interesting settings that we need to confirm. It was a pretty interesting test and we also did a few test starts at the end to confirm we are in the right direction. »
Did you need to adjust the new holeshot device?
« It's the same as in Mugello. It needs some adjustments but I'm very happy with my start: I was P1 under braking. I was a little lost because it was the first time I was first at the first corner and I had no reference. So I'm satisfied with it but you have to practice with the holeshot device. »
Have you tried new parts or the new tire?
« Yes, Michelin brought a new rear tire that was very similar to the Medium. I had good feedback with this tire, and I think it was the same for everyone. This is the only thing we tried today. »
Yesterday you said you had problems with the rear grip...
« The rear grip was a bit strange during the race but I was able to manage it, maybe not in the best way but it wasn't a problem. Let's say I was driving with feeling and the tire was good and everything was OK. During the test, it's completely different: if someone puts on a new tire and does a time attack at the end of the day, of course he will be faster than in qualifying, because the track gradually becomes black, black with rubber. . Sometimes it's also hard to know and it doesn't help you, because the track gets better every time, and maybe you try something and you feel it's better. So I wanted to stay calm about all this and that's why I finished the test an hour ago (editor's note: around 16:30 p.m.). »
What are your tips for mentally getting into competition mode?
« Personally, what helps me a lot is music. I always listen to music before getting on the bike, but not right before the start because it makes you a little nervous. But before qualifying and before practice sessions, I always listen to music. I still haven't received a message from Maio (Meregalli) still very loud music, so I think I will have a message from him soon, but this is something that helps me to be in the mood. »
What type of music ?
« It's more American, Travis Scott, Kanye West, that kind of music. »
Do you also use the ride height device when braking?
« I had this question last Friday. I don't use it when braking, I use it in certain corners but not when braking. I think everyone knows why we have the holeshot device, and it's not for braking. Honestly, it's not something that helps much so I don't really use it when braking. »
You said you were wasting time on Miguel in certain areas. What were they?
« I would say left turns. In the right corners I was very good and it was very similar compared to him, although he had a little more problems diving, but he was impressive on corner entry. On the left side, I remember and that's why I said I had to work on my riding style: at turns 7 and 8, Miguel was much faster than me in Moto2, and he is much faster than me in MotoGP. So I wanted to improve this area today and also turn 10/11 where he was at least a tenth faster than me today. This is something we have tried to improve with the driving and with the electronics. »
Do you think that from now on KTM can be an opponent for all races?
« Yes, because they proved last year that they are super fast. For me, Miguel is one of the fastest drivers in the paddock. So yes, I think they will be competitive: they were fast in Barcelona, fast in Mugello… They are fast! Miguel hasn't had the best start to the season, and it's fortunate that we are a few points ahead of him, but I expect him to challenge for the championship. »
What are your thoughts on the second penalty you received yesterday?
« Above all, I think that considering what happened, now that the story is over, I can be happy! Because it's hard to admit, but for me it was a black flag! I mean... It's true that I put myself in danger, and also with what happened last week, I think it was the right thing (to do). But I was lucky. The only penalty I don't agree with is the shortcut, because I don't feel that's right. I lost 7 tenths but if I had lost a second the penalty would have disappeared. How do I know on the bike that I only lost 7 tenths and not a second? Because of that, it was a bit stupid, but I admit the second penalty. Of course I was upset, but it's better than zero points. »
The fact that the equipment must be properly closed is in the regulations, but not the penalty. Do you think things should be clearer?
« I think that right now, for security, the more the better. But now we're heading towards things that I really don't like, like (what happened to) Miguel and Mir on the last lap at Mugello when they got track limits. But let's say that it was not a crossing of the limits of the track, which is the part outside the curbs, while they were at the end of the curbs. The same for Joe Roberts at Mugello. This provides no gain! Regarding the shortcut, I didn't go straight because I wanted to go straight: I lost the front, I almost fell and I went straight! If it had been gravel there, I would have gone into the gravel. So I wasted (time). You take a three second penalty for a shortcut but the shortcut was slower than normal, so it wasn't a shortcut!
In my opinion, the rules become more and more strict each time and we can't always be really precise in the trajectories: we can make mistakes and I think that takes away the fun side of the show. We are not Robots ! So I think that a few small errors should be given to the drivers, and more (understanding?) when we do 24 laps at the limit »
We saw the note you wrote yesterday following the second penalty. In what state of mind did you approach this day of testing: calm or still under the influence of yesterday's penalties?
« Honestly, I wrote this note yesterday (see here) but I wasn't upset at all. It's weird on my part, but penalty after penalty, and a lot of comments and a lot of people who went to complain even though it was completely finished, it had been over for three hours, it's that's why I put this word: I know that these people will see this message! I know the race I did, I finished third and without this problem I think I could have done second, maybe fight for the victory although to be honest I don't think so because Miguel was really very strong. What's good is that in very difficult times we finished in sixth position despite a lot of penalties. One, I accept it, the second I do not accept it. We will say the second I accept it, the first I do not accept it. Let's say that I wasn't angry at all and that it was interesting for me to also experience this kind of moment: in Misano in 2020 I was very angry, and there I took it more as a joke than 'something else because I didn't put anyone in danger except myself. Everything ended well so I prefer to take it as a joke. »
Do you have any details on what happened with your suit?
« No not at all ! It's a real mystery because no driver at Alpinestars has had this for years and years and years, and it had to happen to me! So we're trying to see what we can do: we tried a new system today but it's not very, very interesting. We will have to work a lot more to have something that is truly completely safe. »
What is this new system?
« It's putting an extra velcro to have security. But it's not really interesting. »
MotoGP Barcelona test Catalonia : Ranking
Classification credit: MotoGP.com
