Quartararo: “I would have ended up on the mat if I gave more”

Between the German GP last June and that of Saint-Martin this weekend, Francesco Bagnaia gained 61 points from fabio quartararo in the championship. On the lands of the one who regains his status as the most serious adversary to his own succession to the throne, Quartararo managed, as usual, to hold on so as not to lose too much ground. 

If in Austria, the Frenchman managed to score 20 points for second place and concede only five points to Bagnaia, in Misano, he could not do better than fifth when the Italian won his fourth victory of sharp. “That was the limit,” he lamented. I was angry, because I gave everything and I couldn't fight for better. My pace was similar to the tests, but overtaking or riding like the others is impossible. The problem is that there is no problem, but when I am behind a Ducati I cannot overtake. (…) I was at the limit, I would have ended up on the mat if I gave more. »

Yes Quartararo who overtakes Espargaro! 🔥 The Frenchman sets out to attack the leading group 🔝#SanMarinoGP ▶ https://t.co/Znap1zcwgm pic.twitter.com/paVU4nb1TG

— CANAL+ MotoGP™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) September 4, 2022

By qualifying eighth, the Niçois clearly determined the outcome of his race in Misano. “It all depends on where you start on the grid and if you can overtake,” he said. I was able to overtake Aleix (Espargaro) because I saw that he was having trouble with the grip, but I couldn't even try to overtake the others. I can't try anything and I'm not having fun like usual. »

After four victories in a row, who could prevent Bagnaia from winning at the next meeting in Aragón, the circuit on which he scored his very first success in MotoGP after a titanic duel with Marc Marquez? “It won’t be me right now,” said the Frenchman. There I am with the knife at my throat. I can't do anything, I gave everything but there is too much difference, in driving style and of course in power. When you ride alone you can do the same times, but to fight for victory you have to be half a second faster than them, otherwise it's dead. »

And added: “Aragon will be difficult, but then there is Japan, Thailand and Australia, where we have not ridden since 2019, so let’s hope to have a nice surprise. (Their bike has changed and) they cannot use data from previous editions. Ours isn't much different, so maybe we can have an advantage. We hope that they will have a little more difficulty, even if I don't really believe it, but we still have to find a little hope. »

Misano test: A light at the end of the tunnel for Quartararo?

On September 6 and 7, the MotoGP riders will meet on the same Misano circuit for two days of testing. Quartararo should try the 1 YZR-M2023 there. He tested a first version of the latest flagship from the Iwata firm after the Catalan GP. “(…) We will test the 2023 motorcycle and engine,” he said last Thursday. We've already done a small test in Barcelona and it looks like we'll be able to do a better test here in Misano. I am very impatient. »