Quadruple Quartararo says ‘goal is to fight for the victory, this is clear’

Fabio Quartararo will start the MotoGP Grand Prix of Spain from pole position as he did in Portimao two weeks ago, ahead of former team-mate Franco Morbidelli. 

Much like the Portuguese event two weekends ago, Quartararo has led the most sessions of anyone so far and looks to be the pre race favorite. 

Asked whether this pole felt better than the one he somewhat inherited in Portugal due to Francesco Bagnaia having his lap deleted, Quartararo said: "Yes of course! It feels better than Portugal. Today’s condition was quite strange because I expect a little bit faster lap times in the morning. 

"In qualifying the wind was quite strong in certain parts of the circuit - turn seven - turn eight - the fast corners were not easy to manage, but actually the most important was to be on the front row and we achieved it."  

Quartararo and Morbidelli have both looked impressive on the medium tyre in particular, which according to the French rider is the preferred option at this moment for the race.

"FP4 was great. We tried both tyres and I’m feeling a bit better with the medium but we made a great job today and our pace looks not so bad," added Quartararo. 

"We have the pace to fight for the podium and the victory but we need to take it step by step, the drop of the tyre is good for us. The race here is very long (25 laps)." 

Come tomorrow’s race, a similar pattern that’s occurred so far in 2020 could well take place again, which is Ducati leading the way into turn one. 

Third and fourth on the grid are factory Lenovo Ducati riders Jack Miller and Bagnaia, and while the straight is not as long as Portimao and especially Losail, it’s conceivable that Quartararo will need to do some overtaking during the race as has been the case in every race of 2021.

The 21 year-old spoke about this and while he expects Miller to challenge off the start line, it’s not just about the Ducati rider as everyone on the ‘first row - second row’ is fast.

"That’s for sure! But we will do our best to stay at the front, but it’s also not just him. First row - second row, they are all fast," said Quartararo.

One thing we’ve heard a lot from Quartararo in 2021 has been his more relaxed approach and not trying to get stressed by different situations. 

So when asked if anything but a win tomorrow would be a disappointment, the Yamaha rider says he doesn’t want to do ‘stupid things’ if victory is not possible, and instead focus on doing ‘my best’ whatever position that leads to.   

Quartararo added: "I will do my best! I know that my pace is fast. Of course I want to fight for the victory, for the podium. But if I feel like it is tough for the victory I will not do stupid things, but yes, my main goal is to fight for the victory, this is clear. 

"But that doesn’t mean I want to lose the race, I will be happy if I give my 100% in any case."