Randy De Puniet: “I don’t see who can beat Fabio”

What is your assessment of this start of the season? MotoGP ?

Like everyone else, we notice that there are two French people in the first two places with fabio quartararo who dominates. He is the fastest, most consistent driver. It is also the one who has appeared on the podium most often and who has the most victories. He seems much better armed than last year. He doesn't make mistakes, that's why he's in the lead today. And then, there is Johann Zarco who plays “placed” every weekend and it works. He perhaps has a little less pure speed than Fabio, but we will have to be attentive in the second part of the season, especially on circuits where the Ducati is more efficient. And above all, he is the leader at Ducati, which is very good for him. I think Johann's goal is to be champion, but if he finishes runner-up with the status of best Ducati rider, he will have already fulfilled his contract.

Exactly, two races in Austria, what can we expect?

For me, Austria will be a turning point of the season for Fabio. I think if he finishes on the podium in both races in Austria, no one will be able to compete against him. On the other hand, if Johann wins both races, that will redistribute the cards.

“Austria will be a turning point  of the season for Fabio »

Apart from Johann Zarco, who could well deprive Fabio Quartararo of the title?

If he doesn't make any mistakes and there are no races in the rain, I don't see who can beat Fabio. He is very strong and clearly above the rest. Behind, I think there are five or six who can come and take a few points from him like Johann Zarco. There is Jack Miller, inconsistent, but always there. We can also cite Francesco Bagnaia, Miguel Oliveira, Maverick Viñales and perhaps Joan Mir. Just as last year, I saw Mir as the favorite, this year, it won't happen. We must win, one victory will not be enough.

#DutchGP 🇳🇱 🏁

Fabio's tears during the Marseillaise

▶ https://t.co/6vTgdTN2gP pic.twitter.com/85gGQsXFcv

- CANAL + MotoGP ™ (@CanalplusMotoGP) June 27, 2021

Marc Marquez is starting to find his feet and after a five-week break, what do you think he can accomplish in the second half of the season?

I think he can do well. For Germany, we knew it and he too was counting on it. Assen, it almost was carnage. He recovered from a monstrous fall whose outcome could have been like in Jerez last year (fracture of the humerus which kept him out of the circuits throughout last season, editor's note). He starts 20th and he tells his mechanics that he is capable of making it on the first lap… but he has a very solid race despite the pain and his position on the grid. I think these five weeks will do him good. He will be there, but I don't think he will be there every weekend. And even if he fights for victory in every event, he is so many points behind that he will not be champion. I think there will be ups and downs, but what he wants to do is prepare for next year. He needs to regain speed, regain confidence and try to get closer to his previous level. But it's not going to be easy... he expected it to be, but the others have progressed and some that he beat easily before are now ahead of him...

« Marquez expected it to be easier, but the others have progressed and some he previously beat easily are now ahead of him »

What is your point of view on the case of Maverick Viñales?

He's a very good driver, but since he started racing in GP, ​​it's been like that all the time. When he arrived at Yamaha, he won the first two races, then the one at Le Mans, and since then almost nothing. In Moto3, it was the same. He never had a consistent season, there were always ups and downs. And when things don't go well, he's last, it's terrible. I think he needs to sort out some psychological details. He is in one of the best teams in the world and I think he risks becoming disillusioned if he joins Aprilia even if the bike is good. We will have to develop it and it may be difficult. It's a disappointment, because he failed to question himself and erase his weak points.

The arrival of Fabio Quartararo in the box, a trigger for the fall of Viñales?

Clearly, it didn't do him any good, but he was next to Valentino Rossi. He beat him, but Rossi was older, more experienced. When he arrived, Fabio immediately placed himself in front... he is younger and Viñales didn't get over it. Before, when Rossi finished in front, he could possibly find an excuse, but today that is no longer possible.