RiderTua.com – Fabio Quartararo was disappointed because he only finished in 11th position and almost lost 18 seconds to winner Pecco Bagnaia (Ducati) in the first series in Qatar. In his analysis, the French rider explained, “We are further away than before!” This is not only something that needs to be paid attention to by the crew on the track, but also by the Yamaha factory team. In fact, the 2021 MotoGP world champion struggled hard with the M1 at the end of the race at the Lusail circuit and was almost chased by Johann Zarco (LCR-Honda).
After Yamaha recorded disappointing results in the first MotoGP series in Qatar, team director Massimo Meregalli assessed his team’s situation realistically. “During the test, in the race simulation we have seen what might happen. We understand our level there,” he said, who of course was not happy, realistic and objective.
Fabio Quartararo : We Are Further Away Than Ever
Regarding Fabio Quartararo’s performance, Massimo Meregalli said, “Fabio is doing what he can do for now. We have listened, but we need time. We are making progress and we have improved the top speed and aerodynamics of the bike. But we must continue to make progress and have a lot of work ahead. I’m disappointed but also satisfied, because we achieved what we could together.”
“We collected data and took a step forward after the sprint because we had a problem with rapid tire wear. That also happened in Sunday’s race, but less than in Saturday’s sprint. We have changed some things. But we are not wizards. We know what needs to be done and it takes time to achieve it,” added the Italian manager.
The Yamaha situation also brings new access for Quartararo who is used to achieving success. “Now he works with the perspective of making progress. Fabio’s work is very good, even though it’s only his first race weekend. But now the effort is different. Fabio always tries to win. Now he works with the target of creating improvements, collecting all the information and testing it,” explained the boss who often called Maio.
And then Meregalli revealed that Yamaha had used the benefit of the current concession in the test at Mugello. “We have tried several new things at Mugello. We will try them again at Portimao. The test schedule is very tight and we have to adapt as much as possible at this time,” concluded Maio.
