Fabio Quartararo, the Andorran prince hoping to become MotoGP king

La Massana (Andorra) (AFP)

In his house in Andorra, high up in the Pyrenees, Fabio Quartararo has a horizon far beyond the snow-capped mountains in his sights and wants to “take the last step” to become France’s first MotoGP champion.

“I’m ready to win the title,” says the native of Nice, who is moving from the Japanese manufacturer’s satellite team to the Yamaha factory team in a direct move with nine-time champion Valentino Rossi.

“It was a dream to switch teams and to make this change with Valentino (Rossi),” Quartararo told AFP.

“He’s been my idol since I was a little boy, so it’s a really big deal.”

Last year, in just his second season in MotoGP, Quartararo was quickly out of the blocks, claiming two consecutive wins in the first two races to secure the battle for the world title.

But “big problems with the bike” had a decisive influence on his championship challenge. He ended the shortened Covid-19 campaign after taking a third win in eighth place behind Joan Mir.

“Last season was really challenging,” he recalls.

“I started strong, but then I had technical problems.

– “McDonald’s to celebrate” –

“Unfortunately, it was only my second MotoGP season, so I didn’t know how to deal with the problems properly.”

Pandemic precautions inevitably dampen its inaugural victories.

“I got home straight away. We ate McDonald’s to celebrate!

“I would have liked to be able to spend the evening with my parents, my friends and my brother, but unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to.”

He says the ubiquitous threat posed by the virus was an exhaustive backdrop for the 2020 campaign.

“Not being able to see anyone and having to wear a mask all the time meant that it felt like a very long season.

“I really hope this season will be a little easier because it’s a mental challenge for a driver.”

Quartararo himself recovered from a nasty brush with coronavirus in December.

“I’ve had the toughest week of my life, I was in a bed on a sofa.

“Even to cook for myself, I was tired, I didn’t have the strength. It was incredible to see the power of this virus,” said the 21-year-old.

– ‘Potential’ –

Having finished 20 seasons since the last French MotoGP winner, Quartararo is satisfied with the weight of the expectations created by his three victories.

“When they call me the French motorcycle prodigy, I see that as a bit of a reality.

“I have tremendous potential, but you have to keep your feet on the ground and work hard like me.”

With the season beginning March 28 in Qatar, Quartararo is preparing for the battle that is far from the crowd – his home in La Massana is 1400m above sea level.

“The calm is impressive, I love it.”

Here, on a trail bike, he works on his balance, climbs rocks, skilfully rides between trees, jumps or races over vertical snow-covered walls.

The goal? “To improve every detail, every little movement of the handlebar you feel during a MotoGP” to reduce the risk of a fall.

Living on high “is also physically beneficial,” he suggests.

“Even when you sleep, you produce red blood cells” – a useful ally on board a mechanical animal weighing over 150 kilos and traveling at over 300 km / h.

He works out in a garage that has a collection of cars and bikes and a well-used treadmill.

The doorbell rings. It’s his neighbor, rally driver Dani Sordo.

Quartararo makes the introduction: “Here is the experienced driver,” he says of the 16-year-old Spaniard.

In addition to physical preparation, Quartararo also works with a psychiatrist on the mental side.

“At first, three years ago, it wasn’t easy to talk about seeing her. It just wasn’t done for me, but it’s someone who has helped me tremendously. I have an extraordinary relationship with my parents, but it does is my psychiatrist who changed me. “

He feels now is his moment.

“I’m ready to win the championship.

“In 2019 I reached the podium, last year a few victories. All that’s left is the last step to become world champion.”