Can talent overcome a power deficit… again?

Fabio Quartararo has already put his maiden title success behind him. “Last year was last year, and it was great – a big memory,” he said prior to testing. “There’s one gold star, like in football, because it’s a world title and we don’t need to forget that, but it’s a brand-new championship. We all have zero points right now, so last year’s championship isn’t on my mind. It’s just a great memory.”

That’s a great attitude to have. Being the reigning champion isn’t enough to get you to the top the following year. Just look at Joan Mir. However, whilst that part of Quartararo’s mind is positive, he still finds himself in a peculiar place heading into the new season.

“I wanted more power!” Once again Quartararo has been left frustrated following more pleas with Yamaha Japan to give him what he wants. At Mandalika, he was the fastest of all M1 riders at 189.5mph, but they occupied four of the seven bottom positions. This is compared to Zarco’s best of 195.6mph. That’s huge, and there are eight Ducatis ready to swallow him up on the long straights of Qatar, Mugello and Aragon.

He’s going to have to rely on his talent once again if he’s to defend his title. That’s already clear from testing. Whilst top speed isn’t there, his race pace, particularly at Mandalika, was strong, just as it was in 2021. Even with his speed disadvantage he left Indonesia second overall.

Quartararo has become the Marc Marquez of Yamaha. He’s the only rider that can squeeze every last bit from his M1, making 100% use of its strengths through the corners. Its mid-corner and exit speeds are almost unbeatable in his hands.

He qualifies brilliantly too, with five poles and 14 front row starts from 18 races last year. Yamaha’s holeshot device gives him a fighting chance at the race start. Taking five wins on a bike with low top speed last year was remarkable.

Quartararo is a title contender thanks to his abilities as a rider. Ultimately, it may come down to his mindset and attitude. He came on leaps and bounds last year after working with a sports psychologist, and he must not let Yamaha’s problems get to him.

Expect more poles, podiums, and wins. Another title? We’ll see, but if the results don’t come, Quartararo could leave Yamaha and won’t be short of offers.

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FABIO QUARTARARO

MONSTER ENERGY YAMAHA