Quartararo: “I didn’t expect to finish on the front row”

At the start of the GP of the Americas, fabio quartararo will start from second place on the grid. The Frenchman was once again unable to do anything to gain the advantage over Francesco Bagnaia who was definitely in great shape.

Quartararo, however, gave everything to try to seize the pole position which has eluded him since the Catalan GP. “I didn't expect to finish on the front row today,” he said. I also didn't expect this time from Pecco (Bagnaia, editor's note). I had some problems during my first run, but then I decided to attack. »

“I didn’t expect to be on the front row” 🎙️ – @FabioQ20

Exceeded his own expectations today! Fabio will be hoping for more of the same in the race 📈#AmericasGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/RAfvKyIJ7T

— MotoGP™🏁 (@MotoGP) October 2, 2021

Faced with the numerous bumps on the American track, however, the Yamaha representative had to be cautious. “The first sector was good, but I preferred to keep a little margin at turn 10, because we had problems with the bumps. A second place is very positive. »

For the moment, Quartararo has not yet determined his tire fitment for the race. “The choice of tire will be crucial,” he admitted. To be honest, we're hesitant between the three. For the moment, I would lean more towards the medium, because I had a good rhythm in FP4. We need to try something in warm-up to make our decision. In any case, I feel good on the bike. »

A glimmer of hope for Marquez

In pole position since the track appeared on the MotoGP calendar in 2013, Marc Marquez finally missed it this Saturday for the very first time. But the Catalan can nevertheless console himself with a front row, his first since the Spanish GP last year before fracturing his arm. “I’m happy with this first line,” he declared. We know our weak point is fast laps and qualifying, but today we managed well. The race will be long tomorrow, we will have to deal with tire wear, bumps and our physical condition. »

And the eight-time world champion continued: “It will be warmer and I feel better in these conditions. When it's cold, everything is more brutal. Let's see if we can get a good start, manage the first laps and the tires well. »

First front row of the season! 👍@marcmarquez93 will be in the mix tomorrow afternoon! 😎#AmericasGP ???????? pic.twitter.com/I0Ss8rvDTB

- MotoGP @ 🏁 (@MotoGP) October 2, 2021

On paper, Marquez is among those to have posted the best pace in FP4, but he prefers not to get too far ahead of the race. “The pace is fast, but some drivers are better than me,” he confided. Miller for example, he will start from 10^e place, but he could very well win the race. We'll see, but I'm lucky because the hard brakes are on the left side. »

The Circuit of the Americas in turmoil

The 2022 calendar must be revealed next week and the MotoGP paddock will once again set up shop in Austin. The meeting will return in April like previous editions. However, on Friday evening, during the safety commission, the drivers expressly asked the circuit to redo the surface from turn no. 2 to turn no. 10, deemed critical due to the bumps. Work will therefore have to be carried out within a few months... otherwise: "We will not go back there, because it is too dangerous" declared Bagnaia at a press conference on Saturday.