‘I couldn’t do better’ than P3, but Quartararo extends championship lead

Fabio Quartararo has increased his MotoGP points advantage over Johann Zarco thanks to P3 at the Styrian Grand Prix. 

Known as a ‘Ducati’ track, the Red Bull Ring saw Fabio Quartararo do more than hold his own as he finished ahead of title rivals Zarco and Francesco Bagnaia, while Jack Miller crashed out when following the Yamaha rider. 

Quartararo didn’t have the best of starts as he dropped from third to sixth, however, a red flag on lap three caused the Styrian MotoGP to undergo a second race start with original grid places being restored.

While the Yamaha man once again lost a place at the second start - this time to Miller, his ensuing battle with the Australian lasted several laps before getting the better of the Ducati rider. 

By the time Quartararo got in front, the leading two of Jorge Martin and Joan Mir had created a 1.5s gap - a margin that continued to grow throughout the race. 

Even if Quartararo had gotten through earlier on Miller, the championship leader doesn’t believe it would have made a difference to his overall result. 

"Yeah, was a tough race because when I was behind Jack [Miller] he made a small mistake in turn one and it was the only way for me to stay behind him in the straight," said Quartararo. 

"I know in turn three I was struggling in all the weekend, but today and yesterday I was pretty strong. 

"In the first race I could overtake Marc [Marquez], then I overtake Jack and we made a nice fight; we lost a bit compared to the front guys, but I couldn’t do better. 

"I couldn’t stay with Joan [Mir], I couldn’t stay with Jorge [Martin], so I’m really pleased with this podium. We know which area we need to work on so I’m pretty happy. We made a great job."