Eight races left to gain 200 points and 47 points to recover. We definitely cannot say that mathematics is on Bagnaia’s and Mir’s side right now. Marc Marquez seems to be right when he says: “Quartararo could only lose this championship in the end. I’d bet on him. ”Last year, Fabio managed to throw away a title that seemed right, but the Frenchman has changed a lot this season.
If you look at his performance, you will notice that quickly he is the only driver to have scored points in every race. Also, he is the one who has won the most (4 times) and has reached the most podiums (7). But there were three problems: in Jerez he was restricted by the compartment syndrome, in Barcelona he had a suit problem, while in Austria he confirmed his allergy to rain. In the end it was only at the Red Bull Ring that he failed to reach his potential, but as long as the tarmac was dry, he showed that he was fighting Honda and Ducati on one of the worst tracks for Yamaha.
If we rewind to a year ago, Quartararo had won three after eleven races, and that was the number of his podiums too. In short, all or nothing. This year is very different for Fabio, and now that the M1 will have friendlier tracks to drive (starting with Silverstone this weekend) its mood can only improve.
His opponents don’t give up, but it won’t be easy to get him into trouble. The wait and see strategy of 2020 seems to me to follow, but if 137 points in eleven races were enough for him to lead the championship, he is now a long way from the French with three fewer. The Suzuki rider has once again built his season on podiums and placings, but the plan doesn’t work against an opponent who misses little or nothing. It’s also true that his GSX-RR didn’t get major updates (rear lowering) until after the summer break, but they have to start winning.
Last year Joan did it only once, in the third race from last, but he should do it right now and do it again this year. He has to get to the top step of the podium to keep the games open, and that goes for Bagnaia too.
As the season progresses, Pecco takes on the leadership role at Ducati after being influenced by Zarco’s persistence and Miller’s performances at Jerez and Le Mans. The Piedmontese has proven that he understands how to drive the Desmosedici even on the most difficult routes. but he never managed to hit the big target, even when it seemed to be expected. For one reason or another: the fall in Mugello, a tire that didn’t work, the rain in Austria were lost opportunities.
So the most surprising fact is that all three of Fabio’s pursuers in the overall standings (there is also Zarco with -49) have not even won a race.
Bagnaia can keep up with Fabio on paper, but this potential needs to be turned into reality because he can’t hope that bad weather will stop Quartararo.
For Bagnaia and Mir, there are eight last resort, not just one. That’s the same number of races on the calendar. Not making mistakes and winning is not advice, but an obligation.