Let's talk MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo has reason to harbor regrets

We continue our retrospective of each driver's season, from the last to Pecco Bagnaia. To appreciate the performance of our heroes, looking at their place overall is not enough. Thus, we will look at the dynamics, the context, the qualifications, the expectations that the driver in question aroused to judge his campaign. Yesterday was the season of Enea Bastianini who was in the spotlight. You can find the corresponding article by clicking on this highlighted sentence.

As a reminder, this opinion remains subjective, and only reflects the thoughts of its author.

I) Bitter result

Before looking at the why and how, we must first discuss the complete aspect of the Frenchman's campaign. And whatever anyone says, the result is more than bitter. In theory, leading by 91 points at mid-season ensures the title. PMoreover, no driver in history had come back so much in so few rounds.

However, Bagnaia was crowned champion. The worst part is that considering the very end of the season, it wasn't even that close because of a singular racing event. In 2006 for example, the title was taken to Valencia largely because of the incident between Dani Pedrosa et Nicky Hayden au Portugal. Certes, Fabio est parti à la faute, mais nous avons davantage assisté à une lente remontée de Pecco, qui, course après course, se rapprochait inlassablement de son objectif. Au final, le “décideur” de Valence était assez anecdotique, le plus gros était fait.

 

Difficile d’affirmer que c’est une “bonne saison” au vu de la dynamique, même si ce n’est pas si terrible dans l’absolu. Photo : Michelin Motorsport

It is for this reason that defeat is undoubtedly difficult to accept for the French clan, and rightly so. There are at least three occasions where Quartararo could have killed the championship, or at least reversed the momentum. We will talk about the context later, because yes, Fabio benefits from extenuating circumstances. But this does not mean showing bad faith. It is impossible to say that the victory at Portimão was solely the work of its genius, while the YZR-M1 is solely responsible for the disaster at Buriram. It's a package and both entities bear their share of responsibility for good or bad.

In addition, logical arguments support this theory and make it possible to detect moments where one struggled more than the other, but each time, both are involved. Obviously, at losail, Silverstone et Misano, it was more the Yamaha which could not keep up with its competitors. On the other hand, the races of Assen, Spielberg, Buriram or Phillip Island are more to be blamed on French.

II) Yamaha not up to par

As we specified in a previous article, Quartararo was not alone “against eight Ducatis”. This myth is bitter but is absolutely unfounded. On the other hand, it is true that Fabio was alone, period. Having such a rider in your team and offering a machine which, against all logic, sometimes seemed inferior to that of 2021, is beyond comprehension. Having a strong teammate is not necessary to perform, especially when you are clearly the leader, contrary to what many observers claim. But having a sharp machine is essential, and that's what Yamaha failed to offer this year.

From this point of view, Fabio can harbor even more regrets because the shooting window was optimal. Ducati struggled a lot from the start and in the end, Bagnaia was only titled with 13,2 points per race average. We cannot anticipate the future, but given Pecco's stellar form in the second half of the season and the lead accumulated by the Borgo Panigale firm over the same period, there is a good chance that it will be even more difficult next year.

 

 

III) It's not that bad

It is necessary to relativize. Remember the first Grands Prix and Yamaha's poor form. Finally, if Quartararo had been told that he would finish second in Qatar, the Frenchman would undoubtedly have signed with both hands. You will have understood, this is the way that leaves us wanting more because once again, in a particular context and with a strong but irregular opponent, there was really something to do. Quartararo doesn't come out any less great. History does not only remember the winners contrary to a hackneyed popular adage. Fabio is a good second in the “one against all” spirit, although we are not the biggest supporters of this theory. “El Diablo” still benefits from astonishing qualities, but we should look into the question of resistance to pressure, which was costly in 2022.

Conclusion:

The result is both unexpected and disappointing.. Unexpected because Yamaha should never have been in the top 3 of the championship if we are realistic. It took a great Fabio to keep the tuning fork firm afloat, but the latter must understand that it cannot rely solely on the strokes of genius of its pilots. Moreover, it is the 19th consecutive season with at least one Yamaha rider on the championship podium. Disappointing, because normally, 91 points ahead with 10 races to go, it's impossible to catch up. It is still difficult to ignore poor performances which are not worthy of one's rank, Netherlands and Thailand on your mind.

Be careful, because Ducati could well strike even harder next year and history teaches us: we must not waste opportunities like these, where the title is within reach. Of course, he remains a formidable driver and there is no doubt that he and his champion mentality will further progress in the seasons to come.

What did you think of his campaign? Tell us in the comments!

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport