Fabio Quartararo, who managed to get away with sixth place in Catalonia after two post-race penalties, including the much-discussed “wardrobe malfunction” with his leather, is taking a 14-point MotoGP title to Germany this weekend.
Since the slow German track was missing from last season’s calendar, the Monster Yamaha rider only made a first-class appearance at the Sachsenring in 2019.
It should prove to be the scene of Quartararo’s first crash as a MotoGP rider during a brilliant rookie season with few mistakes, and he returns as the only rider in the top five of the championship to have scored points in all seven laps so far.
“Thanks to the work we did in the Catalan test, we were able to prepare a setting for the Sachsenring that we are very convinced of,” said Quartararo. “This is not my best track, but I’m still happy to be racing here. We’ve had good pace all season so I’m happy with it and I hope to get a good result.” this weekend.”
On the subject of matching items
While Yamaha has not won a race at the Sachsenring since Valentino Rossi in 2009, Quartararo’s team-mate Maverick Vinales finished second behind Marc Marquez in 2019 and was fresh from leading the Catalunya post-race test, his first with the new crew boss Silvano Galbusera.
“We took another step at the test in Barcelona, so we’re improving little by little. I can’t wait to see if the changes we made during the test will help us at the Sachsenring,” said Vinales. who, like Quartararo, has scored points in every race, but has dropped to sixth place overall (-40 points) after fighting for his Qatar victory.
On the subject of matching items
“It’s quite a narrow track and it’s different from other tracks, but I’ve had good results here in the past. In the last two races at the Sachsenring, 2018 and 2019, I finished third and second, respectively, so I hope we can do a good job this year too. “
“This is a special circuit as it does not suit everyone’s taste, but good set-up and the nimble characteristics of the M1 have proven effective for this circuit,” added team principal Massimo Meregalli.
“We are keen to get started and continue the work on the Catalan test which we hope will be of benefit to us.”
Pramac Ducati’s Johann Zarco is currently Quartararo’s next title rival despite not winning a race.