Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
QUARTARARO: HEAD’S IN RIGHT PLACE TO CLAIM FIRST TITLE
FABIO QUARTARARO says he is mentally ready to fight for a first Motogp title after yesterday’s blistering race win in Portugal.
The Frenchman banked his second successive victory just two days before his 22nd birthday after a dominating display at Portimao, cruising to the chequered flag almost five seconds ahead of Ducati’s Pecco
Bagnaia. As several rivals crashed out – including Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco, who had led the points before the weekend began – the Monster Energy Yamaha rider now leads the championship after surprising himself with his unrivalled speed.
“We set an amazing pace and it was totally unexpected,” he said. “I feel we can do a great job now this year. Mentally I have grown a lot and it was great to be able to be in front and push to the limit.
“I’m so impressed and I think it’s only the beginning. I feel great mentally, great on the bike and great with the team.”
Starting from pole, Quartararo dropped to sixth at the start as Zarco led into turn one, followed by Suzuki Ecstar’s Alex Rins.
Rins took the lead on lap five, but Quartararo had moved three places and was soon second before passing Rins on lap nine.
Rins kept close behind for most of the race, but made a mistake with seven laps remaining and crashed out. Zarco moved second but for less than a lap as he was passed by Bagnaia and crashed.
This gave Quartararo a clear sprint to the flag, beating Bagnaia by 4.809secs as champion – Suzuki’s Joan Mir – finished third.