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Fabio Quartararo Back on Pole Position at Spanish Grand Prix

In 2022, Fabio Quartararo achieved pole position at the Mandalika International Street Circuit in Central Lombok, Indonesia. After a lengthy absence from the front of the grid, this weekend at the Spanish Grand Prix marked a triumphant return for the French rider.

Three years without starting from pole is significant for a former MotoGP World Champion like Quartararo, particularly given the competitiveness of the current season. His qualifying time of 1m35.610s not only secured him the top spot but also bested championship leader Marc Marquez.

This achievement was a moment of joy for the Yamaha team and fans hoping for a break from the Ducati dominance in the sport.

Reflecting on his performance, Quartararo stated, “In my first run, I clocked a 36.0, and I knew I had more to give. I was pleasantly surprised to find an extra four tenths in just one run. I’m thrilled with the two laps I completed, and mentally, it feels great to be back in pole position.”

However, Quartararo’s race did not go as planned. He crashed out on just his second lap, which would typically be disheartening for any rider after a strong qualifying performance. Yet, his early exit does not fully capture the experience of the race itself.

At the race’s onset, Marquez had a stronger start and seemed poised to take the lead as the riders approached the first corner. Nevertheless, Quartararo skillfully held onto his position, maintaining first place for those fleeting moments with Marquez closely tailing him. This brief lead, albeit short-lived, brought a smile to Quartararo’s face even after his crash.

Discussing his battle with Marquez, Quartararo said, “Right now, we’re not chasing points, so today was about enjoying myself. The thrill of overtaking Marc in the first corner and leading—even for just a lap—felt monumental. It may seem brief, but in that moment, it felt like a long time.”

During the race, Quartararo had an opportunity to take a different approach when Marquez passed him on the inside. Instead of yielding, he fought for the position until he maneuvered onto the dirtier part of the track. His fighting spirit was evident, and it seemed that this competitive exchange with Marquez was necessary for him.

“I aimed for a podium finish today, but not starting from the front felt unfamiliar after so long. Despite everything, I consider it a highly positive experience, arguably the best of the year for me,” Quartararo reflected post-crash.

Looking ahead, Quartararo has expressed his desire to fight for a podium position in the upcoming MotoGP race. Fans can only hope he stays upright and delivers an impressive performance.

Source
www.motorsport.com