MotoGP | Dutch Grand Prix | Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) obtained an unexpected podium in the sprint race, third

A reward that he could not fully celebrate, given the context in which he obtained it. “I’m sad for Brad (Binder, Editor’s note), because I know it’s very frustrating to lose a podium on a penalty, it’s happened to me before“, Quartararo was moved after the race. In the heat of the moment, “El Diablo” ignored feelings and drove as he knows how to do so well on a track he loves (two podiums including one victory in the premier class).

It’s no coincidence that the Niçois won his first podium there in the sprint format. Even diminished, Quartararo and Yamaha have retained key benchmarks on the Batavian asphalt, even if the overpower of the Ducati tends to sweep away everything in its path. But to hear the French, the balance sheet is more nuanced than it looks: “It’s not the podium I was hoping for in these conditions, but I’m quite happyQuartararo was satisfied at the microphone of Canal+. Unfortunately I did not manage to pass Brad (Binder, Editor’s note). I could go faster but I didn’t have the possibility.”

Physical limits which should handicap the Frenchman to a completely different extent on Sunday in the classic format. Fourth on the grid, Quartararo however proved that his horse could still shine on a fast lap. But the question about the long runs was not completely elucidated during the exercise in the reduced format. “We held out until the endhe recalls. It was important to push as much as possible. I had Martin behind, Marini, Aleix (Espargaro, Editor’s note), so it was a very interesting but very hard race.”

Back at the outposts, Quartararo relishes. “I can not wait for tomorrow (Sunday, editor’s note), a slightly longer race, he longs. Well, physically we are a little in difficulty. Pain level, it’s constant but my leg is just shaking, and it’s very annoyingt.” The 2021 world champion knows it, he will have to grit his teeth. And hope for another miracle.