The reigning Formula 1 constructors’ world champion Mercedes offered the Yamaha works MotoGP driver the opportunity to drive his simulator at his base in Brackley on the Wednesday before the British Grand Prix this weekend at Silverstone.
Quartararo, Yamaha and Mercedes all share the main sponsors of Monster Energy and Petronas, with energy drink giant Monster paving the way for this opportunity.
The Frenchman drove 50 laps on the Mercedes simulator and was delighted with the experience. One day he would “love” to drive a real F1 car.
When asked for his opinion on the experience and if he would be open to switching to F1 one day if the opportunity arises, Quartararo said, “Yes, I had the opportunity to try out the simulator yesterday [Wednesday].
“It was amazing, I could do about 50 laps and it was amazing to see how realistic that can be.
“Well in the beginning I was lost, but in the end I was able to drive well.
“At the moment I have a goal to achieve here [in MotoGP], so first of all I’d like to drive one.
“Then for a whole season I don’t think so [will happen]. But it would be nice to try it out. “
Fabio Quartararo, Yamaha Factory Racing
Photo by: Gold and Goose / Motorsport Images
Quartararo currently leads the MotoGP standings in 2021 with 47 points, having won four times so far this season.
Mercedes offered MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi the opportunity in 2019 to drive his 2017 F1 car at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia as part of a ride swap with Lewis Hamilton – who tried Rossi’s M1 MotoGP motorcycle.
As a parting gift from Monster Energy before leaving Yamaha, Jorge Lorenzo was able to test the title-winning Mercedes F1 car from 2014 at Silverstone in 2016.
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On Thursday, Suzuki duo Alex Rins and his reigning World Champion teammate Joan Mir visited the Williams F1 team’s factory for a tour.