The young 15-year-old prodigy from Nice, Fabio Quartararo, is starting his professional career this Sunday at the Qatar Grand Prix. Having moved to Spain at a young age, he quickly impressed the experts by racking up titles. Exclusively for Nice Premium, he spoke about the start of his career, his dreams, and his goals.
Nice Premium: Fabio, here we are, this Sunday you’re diving into the deep end…
Fabio Quartararo: Riding in Moto GP has been a dream since I was very little. I’ve always trained hard to experience these moments, and I’ve worked hard to achieve this dream. I’m really happy to be racing this first night race in Qatar; it’s going to be amazing.
N.P.: Is there a bit of pressure before starting this season?
F.Q.: Not really. I feel there was more pressure when I was competing in the Spanish championship. I’m ready to approach this season thanks to the work I did last year with my coach and my manager.
N.P.: What are the goals for your first professional season?
F.Q.: I want to enjoy myself, have fun, and learn from all the circuits I’ll be competing on (18 in total). I know I can achieve great things while staying calm.
N.P.: After your debut in Moto 3 (the 3rd world category behind Moto GP and Moto 2), what are your next dreams? A podium? A victory?
F.Q.: My last season in Spain gave me confidence. I know all the Spanish circuits very well, so I’m capable of achieving great performances.
N.P.: You are very young (15 years old) and already at a very high level…
F.Q.: It’s true that things are moving fast, but I’ve worked a lot for over two years to get here. I have real determination in training every day and a desire to win every race.
N.P.: Who is your model on the circuit?
F.Q.: I have two: Valentino Rossi (9-time World Champion) and Marc Marquez (4-time World Champion). Since I was little, I had posters of the Italian champion in my room; he made me dream, he has all the most beautiful titles. Currently, Marc Marquez is making headlines, and it’s not over yet.
N.P.: You left Nice for Spain a few years ago. Why?
F.Q.: Simply because it’s the best place to train. In Spain, football is the number one sport, and then there is motorcycle racing. There are all the necessary facilities for learning and improving. That wasn’t the case in France…
N.P.: Large Spanish companies are already counting on you. It’s rare to put trust in such a young rider…
F.Q.: Yes, there’s a lot of talk about me in Spain, but you mustn’t let it go to your head or put unnecessary pressure on yourself.
N.P.: In France, motorcycle racing is a sport that receives very little media attention…
F.Q.: Yes, it comes after many other sports. I hope that, through my results and those of other French riders, things will change. It’s a goal.
N.P.: Is it conceivable to see the French flag on the podium in Losail on Sunday?
F.Q.: Yes, I believe so!
