On Thursday in Assen Fabio Quartararo received from Assen the honor of a tile with his name on the streets of the Dutch town, to celebrate the success achieved in MotoGP in 2021 on the historic track, a sacred temple of motorcycling. The French Yamaha champion approaches the eleventh race of the season, the last one before the summer break, with the confidence of the leader in the standings – 34 points ahead of Aleix Espargarò – and back from two consecutive wins between Barcelona and Sachsenring. In both tests ‘El Diablo’ showed off his great talent, receiving compliments and certificates of esteem from the entire paddock, including rivals, and once again confirming his status as a driver to beat. Quartararo is in fact making the most of the Yamaha M1 2022 and has managed to add up points in every race so far disputed. The Yamaha rider was among the protagonists of the traditional press conference on Thursday.
First 10 races analysis. “Obviously it was a great first part of the season. Qatar, Argentina and Australia have been quite difficult. As I said, I complained a little too much about top speed and didn’t focus enough on my riding. Back in Europe, I focused on myself better and achieved great results. From Portugal I have always been on the podium, with the exception of fourth place in Le Mans. We have the same points as last year at this point and therefore we are on the right track. The best moment was probably the victory of Portugal, because I was coming from a difficult moment, but also Sachsenring, because I didn’t expect success on that type of track. I don’t forget Mugello too, where I struggled for the whole weekend. “
An opinion on Zarco. “We both didn’t start this season like 2021. But when we arrived in Europe we made a big step forward, sharing several podium finishes. In the last five or six races he has been the most consistent Ducati rider and I would like to fight with him as in the first part of last year. Honestly, I don’t understand why you don’t join the factory team. “
Expectations for Assen. “The weather forecast has changed and it looks like there may be a better weather for Sunday. We improved a lot on the wet track, but at Assen I prefer the dry. “
Razgatlioglu on the Yamaha M1. “For me he is an extremely talented driver and you can see it from his driving style. I saw the rescue he made at Estoril and he rides his Yamaha to the limit. He has the potential to move to MotoGP, which is a profoundly different category from Superbike and I think he has noticed. But with the right motivation, he can be a fast driver. “
Hypothesis of sprint races. “After the effort we did at Sachsenring, I think qualifying is going well as it is. For me they are something mythical and so I don’t think sprint races are a good idea. “
Points for qualifications. “This could be an option, given that for a long time there has been this format that awards points only to the race. I would like maybe an extra point for the fastest race lap, as happens in Formula 1. “
Sold out. “Last year Silverstone brought almost 70,000 people, and it was strange to see so many after the years marked by Covid. Winning my first two races in Jerez in 2020 was exciting, but also sad because it felt like a test. There were few people even under the podium. Seeing full house here will be great. “
Aprilia competitiveness. “You never know what to expect from Aleix. Last year he was fast here and on every track he made huge progress compared to last year. Here I think he will be fighting for the top, he has always been in front except in Austin, so I see him fighting for the podium. “
Same points as in 2021. “Last year I had a better start, even though I had lost points in Jerez due to arm problems. In any case, I don’t look at the past, I think at the present. From Portugal onwards we did better than last season. “
Fighting against Zarco. “Once I wear the helmet, my mother, father or brother can also be on the other side, all of which become opponents to beat. Clearly there is mutual respect because we know how dangerous our sport is. “
Physical difficulties at the Sachsenring. “Half an hour after the race it was a nightmare, because I was running in the garage and I didn’t feel fresh air. And I think it was the first time we immediately changed and dressed in shorts and a T-shirt. “
Ducati rivals. “Now of course I have to consider Johann more, but the season is long and we cannot exclude Pecco from the fight for the world championship. Already last year he recovered a lot of points for me in just a few races. “
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