Champions are never satisfied and Fabio Quartararo is not happy either after taking first place on day one in Brno. Not only because he knows that Morbidelli was the benchmark for speed, but also because he didn’t find the answers he was looking for in the first two free practice sessions.
“It was a bit difficult – he admits – I know I’m quick on the flying lap, but keeping a good pace is more difficult. Because of this, I’m not happy with today, even if I’m close to Franco, who is the driver with the best pace.
You still have a good time …
“I didn’t expect to be that quick because I made so many mistakes on this lap. But I repeat, I have to work on the pace ”.
What is the problem?
“I feel good on the bike, but the tire falls too much, we all suffer, only Franco less than the others. Driving feelings are one thing and tire management is another. I know what the problem is, I don’t feel lost, I just have to solve it “.
Does the Yamaha suffer from poor grip on the asphalt?
“It’s a problem for us, unlike the Ducati, which manages to take advantage of its acceleration. Today the rear tire slipped a lot and that surprised me that had never happened to me with the new Michelins. We have to work and find a solution ”.
Do you also use the device to lower the rear of the bike during the lap and not just at the start?
“I’m trying, but it’s too difficult. I think it works differently than Ducati, difficult to understand the exact moment it is being used. “
They talk about the Ducati, but today they seemed to be in trouble …
“I’m a bit surprised, but it’s only the first day and it’s not that important, it’s a completely different track from Jerez and you have to adapt. Ducati was always quick at Brno, I think Dovizioso did some tests and he will be in the race. as well as Petrucci and Miller. I would like to take this opportunity to send Bagnaia my best wishes for a speedy recovery. “
Are you feeling the pressure of having to win after Jerez doubles?
“I have learned one thing in my career: When someone tells me I have to win, their words go in one ear and come out of the other. I know what to do and what not to do and my team understands that. NObody on the team tells me to win or be first just to do my best and I really appreciate that, I like that kind of motivation ”.
When you think of the race, will the Yamaha suffer a lot from the acceleration?
“We know our weaknesses as well as our strengths, we just have to adapt. Here and in Austria it will be tough, but then there will be cheaper routes ”.