Fabio Quartararo has credited the recent improvements made by Yamaha for his success in securing a direct passage through to Q2 for the MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix. The French rider achieved the sixth fastest time in Friday’s second practice session at Mandalika, emerging as the highest-placed non-Ducati rider and securing a spot in Saturday morning’s pole-deciding qualifier. This marks the fifth time this season Quartararo has made Q2 solely based on his Friday efforts, showing a consistent performance in recent rounds.
Despite suggestions that the tracks at Misano and Mandalika favor the Yamaha package, Quartararo remains confident in the team’s abilities. He acknowledges that the upcoming Motegi round will be a true test of Yamaha’s current level but believes that a change in mentality within the team off-track is also contributing to their success on the track. Quartararo expressed his satisfaction with the progress made, stating, “Really happy, I think we have made some good steps. Everybody was super close but at least we were closer to the top than to the bottom, so this is positive.”
While Quartararo recognizes areas where the Yamaha team is still struggling, such as Turn 4 and Turn 14, he remains optimistic about their performance. He highlighted the power difference between Yamaha and Ducati but emphasized the importance of being in Q2 and securing a sixth-place position. Quartararo’s focus is on continuing to improve and make strides in upcoming races, with the goal of consistently making it to Q2 and showcasing Yamaha’s progress.
Yamaha has yet to break into the top five in a race this season, but Quartararo came close at Misano before running out of fuel near the finish line. Despite the setback, Quartararo remains positive about the team’s development approach. He mentioned, “As you can see we are more towards the bottom in the power charts still, but we have made this step back to make steps forward. Now I think we have good handling on the bike.”
Looking ahead, Quartararo emphasized the importance of finding the right balance between power and agility on the Yamaha bike. He highlighted the team’s priorities, focusing on improvements in brakes, power, and electronics. Quartararo’s dedication to continuous improvement and his belief in Yamaha’s potential bode well for their future performances in MotoGP.
In conclusion, Quartararo’s success in securing a spot in Q2 for the MotoGP Indonesian Grand Prix is a testament to the progress made by Yamaha in recent weeks. With a focus on continuous improvement and a positive outlook on the team’s development, Quartararo is poised to lead the charge behind Ducati in upcoming races. Yamaha’s commitment to enhancing performance and addressing key areas of improvement showcases their determination to compete at the highest level in MotoGP.
