MotoGP France, Quartararo worried: “I’m struggling in the wet”

Fabio Quartararo and the rain, a pairing that, for now, is not getting on so well. The French Yamaha rider was lucky to be able to ride in dry conditions in the second free practice, which allowed him to set the second fastest time of the day.

In the dry yes, but in the wet...

“I’m lacking something in the wet - he told Sky Sport MotoGP - but things went well in the dry. Already on my first run I was surprised because, although I wasn’t on a time attack, I set a 1:32.1 with fuel in the tank and fresh tyres. Then I crashed, and when I was on my definitive time attack the yellow flag came out so I slowed down. In any case, the important thing is to be in the top ten so that we’re safe for tomorrow. I’m pleased with how this first day has gone”.

Fellow countryman Johann Zarco set the quickest lap of the day, meaning competition but also something of a derby for Fabio: “I don’t feel pressure, it’s more like motivation, also seeing the fans waiting for us at the track on Wednesday. I think it’s important to both of us. Zarco is more at home in the wet than I am but we’ll see what conditions are like tomorrow and Sunday”.

Who will stand out, Yamaha or Ducati?

Right now, the Yamahas have won more races, but it’s also true that the Ducatis are proving very competitive. What does Quartararo think? “I don’t know which bike is best - he concludes - I’ve never ridden a Ducati! From the outside, it looks like both are doing well, the Yamaha is quicker through certain sections, the Ducati through others. Each bike has its strengths, so it will be difficult to battle them but also for them to battle against us”.

Translated by Heather Watson

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