Quartararo only appreciated pressure of getting first win after race

Fabio Quartararo says he only appreciated the release of pressure from claiming his first MotoGP win after he had completed it as he looks to prove the man to beat again in this weekend’s Andalucia MotoGP in Jerez.

Though not a lights-to-flag triumph, Quartararo won the Spanish MotoGP comfortably having started from pole position, marking both his and Petronas SRT Yamaha’s maiden win in the premier class.

The pinnacle of a remarkable 18 months for the Frenchman, who only made his MotoGP debut in 2019, Quartararo is now turning his attentions to continuing that performance at the same venue this weekend where, in the wake of Marc Marquez’s injury, he is now the hot favourite to double up.

“At the moment nothing has changed but it was an amazing feeling. I didn’t feel the pressure of winning my first race [beforehand] but as soon as I won, I took some pressure out and this is really positive. [But] the first thing I did after the photos was to have a briefing with my team to improve even more, to try and find small details to make more difference so we will try to do our best this weekend.

“It was quite physical at the end with the hot conditions. It has been more than seven months since our last race in Valencia and the first one is always tough, the second one we should be more used to it but it will be really tough again.”

Reflecting on Marquez’s decision to attempt a return to action this weekend, Quartararo welcomed his presence but pointed out Cal Crutchlow – who also underwent surgery on Tuesday – will be on track as well.

“Not only Marc, but Alex and Cal are back. Cal had a surgery two days ago, so it is quite amazing… when you are a rider, you want to come back as soon as possible so for sure they will give the maximum with the pain they have. I’m happy for them to be back on track.”