On this Sunday, March 7, 2021, fabio quartararo answered questions from journalists from the Losail circuit in Qatar, at the end of the second day of official MotoGP testing on his Yamaha YZR-M1 from the Monster Energy Yamaha team.
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 is translated from English (vouvoiement).
fabio quartararo : " Today the feeling was much better. It's always difficult to evaluate (the new chassis) because we didn't use the same package as yesterday. We're still trying a lot of things, like a swing arm. So it is not easy to give clear comments on the 2021 chassis. For the swingarm we still have to see but the feeling was not the best, today, but we have to try it better in all terms. Of course, we'll try it again in three days. But of course, the feeling is good: we did very good times and with a very good pace, so for sure, the bike is very good. But we will have to see because last year, we were also fast here with the 2020 bike. We will have to evaluate these two days, by looking at the data with the team, to see the direction to follow. »
It seems that the 2021 chassis is very close to the 2019 chassis with which you have a very good feeling. Is this the case with 2021?
« It's not yet the same feeling as in 2019 but I hope it will come (laughs). But we are working on it and I think it is very important because, yes, the chassis of the 2019 bike was really incredible, and we are in the (right) direction. We want to follow this direction because it is clear that it was the best compromise. So we follow this path. The sensations are not the same but we still have three days to improve our feeling and to be as close as possible to the 2019 chassis. »
It's only your second day as a factory driver. How does this change your work?
« I feel good because before starting the season, I kept it to myself but I said to myself “wow, it’s a job with great responsibility”. I was a little, not stressed or under pressure, but a little scared. And ultimately I love it! Saying the decisions we have to make, the direction, of course with Maverick. But I like to give clear comments and I feel that I gave very good comments during these two days regarding the feeling, the new chassis, the swingarm that we tried. I can give clear feedback, so I'm happy. And I like it ! »
Looking at the rhythms, it was you, Aleix Espargaró and Maverick Viñales who stood out from the crowd. How significant is this?
« First of all, it's not significant because we didn't even really focus on the rhythm. Every time I go out we try something and I never have the same bike. »
Looking at the other drivers, do you think the hierarchy will be the same as last season?
« Honestly, it's impossible to say! These are only tests and we don't know who is trying things or not. What I can say is that today we tested a lot of things and we didn't really focus on our pace. We're just focused on trying things and trying to be smart about giving good feedback. I think it is very important to make the right decisions for the season. »
Can you tell us about the feeling you have when you are fighting to do a good lap time? Is this something you can have anytime you want?
« No, it's only at this moment. Even during races, I don't have that kind of feeling. It's something I've never felt in my life, except when I put on new tires. The lap before you attack the clock, you feel stressed and you don't feel well. But as soon as you take the last turn, everything is forgotten and you give your 100%. And honestly, it's the best feeling in the world! You say to yourself "OK, I'm going to give it my all for a round" and for me, yes, it's even more fun than a race because you really give it your all and, at every turn, you don't know if you're will you fall or not. It's fun, and it's 100% adrenaline, so I like it. I love that ! »
During the day, do you have time to talk work with Maverick or with Cal?
« The only one I talked to was Cal because we were on the bus together. But yes, we will have to have good times and good conversations because I think it will be important that we are smart about it. I got some feedback from Cal. I'll keep them for myself, but yes. You know, he's a rider who rode with Ducati and Honda and he gave me some advice and told me the way he worked with Honda. You know, whatever I can take, I'll take. Definitely, it's positive and I have a very good relationship with Cal. If we have that kind of test driver, we have to use him properly, and I think he's a very good test driver. He just needs more time, but for now I'm really happy with him. »
Will you have a new haircut for every race?
“No, only for the first one (laughs). After, I do not know. I'm going to keep this for a while and let my hair grow out, and when I cut it, I'll change it. »
???? @FabioQ20 is bringing the noise in Qatar, and it's music to our ears 🎶👂#MonsterYamaha | #MotoGP | #QatarTest | @MotoGP pic.twitter.com/H496dLH0VX
- Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP (@YamahaMotoGP) March 7, 2021
Credit ranking: MotoGP.com
