Let's talk MotoGP: Fabio Quartararo forces us to admire him

In Mandalika, Fabio Quartararo achieved his best MotoGP performance in a long time. Already strong in India, he had a very solid weekend from start to finish, despite equipment falling short of the competition. So, when he said, questioned by Canal +, that he “will play up front when he has a good bike”, why fall on him? He's right to express his thoughts, and I'm certainly not going to blame him. Because you see, there is nothing to complain about his performance. Analysis.

 

We forgot who Fabio Quartararo was in MotoGP

 

Today everything is going fast. The number of very fast drivers has increased considerably, many can play for victory every weekend. Faced with the explosion of Pecco Bagnaia and other Jorge Martín at the end of 2022, we tend to quickly forget those who, for a while, for one reason or another, are less good.

 

 

Myself, I was sometimes able to forget the 2022 Portuguese Grand Prix, a true masterpiece by the Frenchman. Does that make me, or us, ungrateful? No, because very high-level sports are based on moments. No one can blame us for relying on recent form when that's exactly what determines a rider's value. On the contrary, it is up to them, our heroes, to show us that they are still in the game, all within the limits of reason (cf the Bastianini case).

 

Speed ​​and attitude

 

Fabio had everything in Indonesia. Speed, on the one hand, with this fourth place in qualifying. Certainly, the circuit speaks to him since it is here that he took his last pole position – at the time of writing – at the start of 2022. But his teammate, although well back at mid-season, was 15th, more than eight tenths from pole. In the Sprint, we saw him struggle on a few overtakes, notably due to an obvious lack of power. It's true that it becomes a kind of running gag, but the images don't lie.

 

 

Then, during the race, with a real demonstration. Both his driving skills, but also and above all, his mind. Fabio didn't give up more than three seconds behind Pecco Bagnaia, and even if we can regret that he did not try anything on Maverick Viñales given that he does not play anything in the championship, a podium also does a lot of good for his confidence before arriving on two tracks which have successful in the past. He concluded the Grand Prix in third position, but still, was not so happy.

It’s an image that struck me in the parc ferme. Those who are used to this section know this; I pay close attention to body language and expressions used in front of the microphones MotoGP.com. The difference between his feelings and that of Maverick Viñales was astonishing. When “Top Gun” was cheerful at the idea of ​​finishing second again – while victory was very close, almost euphoric with his Batman cape, Fabio Quartararo appeared measured, restrained, frustrated. This is the difference between a good rider and a MotoGP world champion.

 

 

Use the term “frustrating” after such an effort demonstrates an intact competitive spirit. This is exactly how we want to see Fabio, even if it means showing arrogance to the media. And when the head goes, everything goes. Many make fun of his recurring comment regarding the power of his inline four, but after such an effort, what can we add? Nothing. We must shut up, and say: “Yes sir, you are right. »

 

Conclusion

 

If Yamaha finally realizes how lucky they are to have such a rider, soon to be dubbed by Álex Rins elsewhere, then this end of the 2023 season contains a lot of potential to prepare for 2024. Clearly, even without the help of Franco Morbidelli, a dynamic is being born under the awning of the Iwata firm. With a Fabio Quartararo driven by hunger, it can hurt.

Do you think Yamaha and especially Fabio can maintain this level of performance at Phillip Island, a track that has often been successful for them? Tell me in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport