Fabio Quartararo achieved another good result with second place at the Austrian GP, just behind Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati) – who moved within 44 points of the championship lead held by the Monster Energy Yamaha rider. Alex Criville believes Quartararo is well on course to renew his title for 2021, but he will have no easy task.
Commenting on the Austrian GP race, the 1999 world champion told Woonkly, as quoted by Marca newspaper, that El Diablo was on top of his game against the might of his Ducati rivals: ‘The Frenchman gave a riding lesson on a circuit where power is the key, so all the Ducati riders were the favourites. Fabio Quartararo was the only Yamaha rider who was able to defend himself and stand up to the Ducati.’
Although he considers that there are circuits that are theoretically more favorable to Quartararo, Crivillé anticipates that the Frenchman will not have an easy task in defending his title:
– From now on, the circuits will be smoother and he will suffer less. Even so, Pecco Bagnaia has grown. The reigning world champion will defend himself tooth and nail, taking advantage of the points advantage he has. Fabio looks very fluid on the Yamaha, very determined and solid. If he doesn’t fail, he will be able to retain the MotoGP world championship title, but he will suffer because Bagnaia is going to go for it.