Quartararo prudent on his chances of podium in Le Mans

The Timing of the GP of France could not be better for Fabio Quartararo, which has just achieved an excellent performance in Spain and comforted its weekend by an equally successful post-course test. He arrives in the Sarthe with big points in his pocket which allow him to be “the best of the others” behind five Ducati pilots in the championship, and with in his suitcases an engine evolution.

Entering the Bugatti circuit enclosure is also to find an audience that expects a lot from him. If it took a little time to feel fully comfortable on site, Quartararo now seems in symbiosis with this bubbling cauldron. For the moment, he has two pole positions (2020 and 2021) and a podium on site, this one being his third place behind Johann Zarco obtained in general jubilation four years ago. He remains cautious about his ambitions, as he explained at a press conference on Thursday.

After a fantastic weekend in Jerez, with your return to pole and on the podium, French fans expect to see you on the box on Sunday: is it possible?

first of all, we have to have the same approach as in Jerez. We did not expect to be in pole position and to climb on the podium. If I have very good sensations and the opportunity to be there, we will do it. This is obviously everyone’s goal of being in front, to get the best possible result, but it is not because we have made a podium in Jerez that we are now ready to fight for podiums. Jerez was a very good weekend. We will see how we start on Friday and we will set the goal during the weekend.

It is not because we made a podium in Jerez that we are now ready to fight for podiums.

The day after the GP of Spain, you tested a new engine and Yamaha confirmed that you will be able to use it this weekend. Where does this evolution represent an improvement?

Basically, it’s the same engine but with just a little more advanced power, which is something that we really need. Unfortunately, they are really very small advances but it is always better to have these positive elements. The handling of the motorcycle remains unchanged but we have improved a little fifth and sixth reports. It will therefore help us, on long tracks in particular, to stay in contact with others in a straight line.

In recent years, Le Mans has broken crowds and, even today, it was crazy to see people at the circuit from 10 a.m. this morning. What motivation does it bring?

It’s something really special. We are not lucky that the Spanish pilots have to have four great prices at home. We only have one and we have to take advantage of it. It sometimes leads to a little more pressure but, over the years, I learned to really appreciate the fact that there are people and their support.

As a pilot, this is one of the races on which we really see passion. It’s crazy to see that people really follow everyone during the race. Thank you for coming and supporting the French pilots!

Are Le Mans fans the best fans in the world?

We already hear the breakers since yesterday and it will be like that all weekend! I don’t know what kind of drinks they take, but they are full of energy for four days. They manage to party at night and also watch the race, so I think they really have fun.