MotoGP Test Jerez Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha/2): more than speed with a new engine, good pace

Fifth this morning in 1'38.312, Fabio Quartararo achieved a time of 1'37.911 in the afternoon earning him second final position during this MotoGP test day on the Jerez de la Frontera circuit.

Although still a good second away from the track record which belongs to him in 1'36.880, the young French driver admitted to being satisfied at the end of these three hours of testing and his 44 laps completed: “It was really good to be back because after such a long time it’s always a pleasure to ride a MotoGP. It wasn't very easy because we hadn't really ridden the 2020 bike much and I think we had a new engine today, which is different because the power delivery is a bit strange, compared to the 2019 bike. But ultimately we found good settings for the bike and we reached a pretty good pace at the end. Honestly, I'm happy because we took a small step forward in terms of pace compared to last year. »

According to El Diablo, the total domination of the Yamahas during the various interseason testing sessions since the Valencia Grand Prix should be put into perspective: “I don't think the Yamaha will be the bike to beat here, because Honda won the last world championship. We know that our bike is very fast on a lap, but as soon as we have a Honda, a Ducati or a Suzuki in front of us, we lose our potential if we cannot benefit from our cornering speed. So it's not easy but it's true that Maverick was really fast. We have to watch our pace, and it was very good. »

Having appealed the decision of the FIM MotoGP stewards to impose a 20-minute penalty during the next free practice session, the Nice resident did not wish to comment on it: “First of all, the first thing is we had a meeting this morning and I told my team that I don't want to know anything, to stay completely focused on what I need. And that's all. I'm not even aware of it, I'm just focused on my riding and my pace for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. »