With six Grand Prix remaining before the end of the season, Fabio Quartararo is regaining form. In Indonesia, the rider from Nice hoped to reach the podium this weekend. Mission accomplished!
“I expect and hope that we can fight for the podium on this circuit.” Those were the words of Fabio Quartararo during the press conference before the weekend began. In Indonesia, the rider from Nice took advantage of a new tire casing brought by Michelin to make a difference. As in India on a new circuit, novelty often offers great opportunities for the Frenchman to show other riders that he remains a major champion in the top category.
On Saturday, “El Diablo” achieved an almost perfect qualifying to secure fourth place. A result that allows him to think about reaching the podium and possibly achieving even more.
In the sprint race, the Yamaha with number 20 got off to a very good start. The rider from Maralpin found himself on the provisional podium. Battling with the new championship leader Jorge Martin, the rider from Nice had to yield early in the race. Slower than the riders ahead, he struggled against the Ducati riders who were more comfortable on this track. It was difficult to aim for more than fifth place despite an encouraging end of the race with good tire management that allowed him to climb back up… A little too late.
“I gave it my all, which is the most important thing, but it’s true that it’s frustrating to see that we are achieving these kinds of results and feeling that we don’t have what it takes to do better,” Fabio Quartararo admitted at the finish. Sincerely, seeing today’s result, a top 5 [in the main race] would be nice. Of course, I will do everything for a podium.”
Fabio Quartararo very close to victory
This Sunday, the Azuréen had as good a start as the day before, only to lose places again in the early laps. Struggling in the second sector, he was overtaken consecutively by two riders. This proved that Yamaha is in great difficulty in throttle response in corners.
But a champion never dies. After the first third of the race, Fabio Quartararo found rhythm with his medium front tire against his adversaries on soft. Then in 5th place, he made a strong comeback on Aleix Espargaro and passed him before mid-race. Meanwhile, at the front, the championship leader Jorge Martin crashed alone. The rider from Nice found himself on the provisional podium. With more than three seconds to the second place, it seemed difficult to hope for more.
The rider from Maralpin then set his best lap times. He undeniably closed the gap on the leading group fighting ahead. To the point of catching up with Maverick Vinales, who himself was closing on Francesco Bagnaia. In pushing for an overtaking maneuver, Fabio Quartararo made a slight error that cost him some time. He fought back in the final lap, finishing just behind the top two.
“I am super happy. There was a small opportunity, and I seized it. We fought until the end, but even when I was in third place with a gap behind, I still wanted to return to the front positions to prove to myself the potential I have as a rider. And I know I can fight with the front riders,” explained the rider from Nice at the finish, having gained a lot of confidence this weekend. Hopefully, this will allow him to finish the season with the best possible results in the last five GPs of a complicated season.
The next meeting is next week at the Phillip Island circuit.
