Quartararo exclusive interview
22 years old and 34 points clear in the MotoGP standings – it’s going well for Fabio Quartararo, but there’s still a long way to go
Fabio Quartararo has been the revelation of the first half of the 2021 MotoGP season. From his four wins to the controversy of ‘Zipgate’ when his leathers inexplicably came undone, the 22-yearold Frenchman has been in stunning form. His pace and consistency has seen him become Yamaha’s clear No.1 rider - plus championship leader - and yet he remains determined to keep his feet on the ground, refuses to think about the title and knows the importance of staying calm. Veteran French journalist Michel Turco spent some time with Fabio before action returns this weekend in Austria…
Fabio, what have you been doing during the summer break?
After Assen I had a week off with friends. Then I spent time with my family, meanwhile I started training again. Since then I’ve been waiting for the restart. The break is too long - five weeks is too long. It’s a shame that the Finnish GP was cancelled.
What does it feel like mentally to be leading the championship? Happiness or pressure?
Only happiness. I experienced this position ast year, but it was very different then. I could see that we were having more and more problems with the bike and I knew it was going to be difficult to stay ahead. This year we are 34 points clear at the halfway point and I feel great on the bike. I don’t feel any pressure and I’m ready to go to Austria as if it was the first race of the season.
You have clearly taken the lead at Yamaha. How do you deal with this situation?
I am living with it well. Since the beginning of the year I have been asking for little things, like the holeshot device that we were missing. They did their best at Yamaha to achieve this and it paid off straight away. The engineers listen to me, they see that the data matches my comments. There is a relationship of trust between us, it is something very pleasant.
The other Yamaha riders are suffering more difficulties...
I don’t focus on that. When I arrived in MotoGP, I tended to look at the position of the other Yamaha riders. Now I only look at the fastest rider, I look at the gap between me and the best. Being the first Yamaha rider is not what interests me.
How do you feel in this team?
I feel great. Already, I arrived in the official team with five people who worked with me in the Petronas team. The integration took place very well. I get along very well with the new people and I feel very comfortable in this new environment. This is very important because my team is like a family to me.
What has changed the most for you since last year?
The responsibilities. I have a lot more. On one side because I am now the one who is relied on to get results, and on the other side because I feel listened to for the development of the bike. My opinion and my comments are considered. But for me, all this is not synonymous with pressure. I have always liked to be in this position, to feel that people count on me. It’s natural and it motivates me.
What do you think of Viñales’ decision to shorten his contract with Yamaha?
I think it’s a shame. For me Maverick is a great team-mate. In Qatar he unconsciously helped me, in Assen he pushed me to the limit. To have a rider of his level at your side is beneficial. Frankly, I find it sad that he decided to leave before the end of the season, just like that - on a whim. I respect his choice, it must’ve been important for him.
Who would you like to have at your side next year?
Difficult to say. I’d like a very fast rider as a team-mate. That’s what helps you to improve. Raul Fernandez would be good. Or, a rider with a lot of experience like Dovi. A young and fast rider or a very experienced rider. It’s up to Yamaha.
You’re not thinking of Morbidelli?
It would be a natural move in the Yamaha organisation, but if I had to choose, I would go for a young or experienced rider.
Do you think Rossi will stop?
That’s a bit of a feeling we all have. Rossi, with only 17 points after 9 Grands Prix, it hurts.
That can’t be the place of a great champion like him. Afterwards, if he decides to continue, I don’t think we can be offended because Valentino has a special place in the MotoGP world. But my feeling is that this is his last season.
What will be the keys to the second half of the championship for you this year?
We will have to approach the second half as I did the first, trying to give my best every time. We know that the next two races in Austria will not be in our favour. So we will have to try to get as many points as possible. It’s far too early to think about the championship. I made this mistake last year and I don’t intend to do it again. If we stay in a good position, it is in the last three or four races that we’ll have to start making calculations.
Who do you think will be your main opponent?
My number one opponent is Ducati. There are three Ducati riders in the top five of the provisional standings. Mir and Oliveira are also serious contenders for the second half of the championship.
Two Frenchmen at the top of the MotoGP championship, is something never seen before. How does that make you feel?
It’s crazy, especially as there are only two French riders in MotoGP. We can see that the popularity of motorbike racing in France is increasing. I think we are doing a good job with Johann being strong too, even if we are very different. It would be nice to finish the season like that.
Do you get on well with Johann Zarco in the paddock and away from the race track?
We’ve always had a good relationship. We’re not great friends, but there’s a lot of respect between us, we get on very well. It’s difficult to share moments at the races. Everyone works in their own corner, and it’s difficult to have friendships with someone you’re fighting against and who has the same dream as you. There is only one place at the top of the podium.
Do you think Marquez will be back to his best by the end of the season?
Yes, I think so. In Assen he rode a great race, you can see that little by little he is getting back to his best level. To stay a year without racing is already difficult, but on top of that he has to recover from a serious injury... It seemed complicated that he could win and dominate the championship right away after all the events he has been through.
Finally, if you could try another bike from the grid, which would you choose?
I would like to try the Suzuki because it seems to have a great front-end feeling. You can see that Mir is able to do some incredible overtaking. This is something that is very important to me. I’d also like to try the Ducati to see how the power and engine feel.
‘I am now the one relied on to get results’