A look back at the year for two Mediterranean pilots in MotoGP and Formula 2 and what lies ahead for 2024.
The Nice native, Fabio Quartararo, is a Yamaha team pilot. 2023 has been a complicated year for the Mediterranean pilot, which he describes as “the toughest” of his career. With this MotoGP season and the introduction of sprint races, there were 42 starts planned for the season. The pilots had to manage increased pressure and stress throughout the championship.
The year was “frustrating” for the Nice pilot, with only three podiums. The first was during the fourth race of the season: the Spanish Grand Prix. Then it took until September and October for the Nice native to be back on the podium at the Indian GP and Indonesia. Three third places, but encouraging performances towards the end of the season.
In the championship standings, Fabio Quartararo finished with a total of 172 points, allowing him to climb to the 10th place in the pilot rankings.
“I believe, and I am sure that next year will be better,” announced the native of Maralpin on his social media at the end of the year. The 2021 MotoGP world champion is already looking ahead to 2024.
Théo Pourchaire: the long-awaited crowning
Since entering Formula 2 in 2020, the Grasse native Théo Pourchaire has coveted the world champion title. Without necessarily winning every race, Théo Pourchaire made ten podiums with two pole positions for “only” one victory.
However, at the end of the final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, where he finished in 5th place, in a fierce battle against Danish pilot Frederik Vesti, he was finally crowned Formula 2 world champion. “It was a complicated weekend […], sometimes you can see me struggling, but I never give up, I wanted to win this title,” reacted Théo Pourchaire at the conclusion of the long race.
Nonetheless, Théo has not managed to secure a seat to enter Formula 1 next season. According to the current regulations, the champion driver in this category is not allowed to participate in the championship for the two seasons following their title.
Also, for next year, the Mediterranean pilot will continue as a reserve pilot for the Stake F1 Team Kick Sauber (formerly Alfa-Romeo – Sauber). He will also be seen in Japan in the Super Formula Championship, as he joins the Impul team for 2024, driving a Toyota.
