He maintained a tiny hope. Snatching the podium at the Malaysian Grand Prix, Fabio Quartararo (Yamaha) retained mathematical chances of title. With 23 points behind Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati), the possibilities are slim. And a condition is mandatory. If he wants to keep his crown, the Frenchman will in any case have to win at the last round of the season, in Valencia, in two weeks.
But obviously, one success would not be enough. At the same time, “El Diablo” will have to hope for a big failure from its Italian rival. Indeed, with seven victories this season against only three for the French driver, “Pecco” would retain the advantage in the championship in the event of a tie on points. Two units – the equivalent of a fourteenth place – would be enough for him.
Only a triumph for the Frenchman combined with a fifteenth place at best for the Italian would therefore offer a second crown to Quartararo.