Fabio Quartararo - 'Honestly I feel ready for the race'

MotoGP testing in Qatar ahead of the 2021 season has officially come to a close with only five riders completing a lap on day five. 

Windy and dusty conditions in Doha meant that most of the grid ended their test early as Danilo Petrucci, Stefan Bradl, Takaki Nakagami, Brad Binder and Pol Espargaro were the only riders to complete laps. 

Yamaha and Ducati have been exceptionally quick during the Qatar test and look like firm favorites for the opening round beginning March 28. 

One of those riders is sure to be Fabio Quartararo who initially had a difficult opening day, but after that was as consistent and quick as anyone. The Frenchman was one of three riders alongside Jack Miller and Maverick Vinales to break the official lap record of 2019. 

Speaking after the test, Quartararo said: "Honestly I feel ready for the race. I finished in a really good way and even when we tested something that was not working that well we did 1m 54 highs.

"Yesterday I did a 1m 54.4s with 18 laps on the tyre so we feel ready for the race. The condition will be different for the race but I’m happy."

Heading into the season, the pace of Yamaha is there for all to see, and therefore not a concern, but with testing being at the same circuit and one that is very specific, Yamaha will be hoping their form is more consistent at other venues than last year. 

About this subject, the 22 year-old added: "Of course, last year we know was really good in some places. But we start here which is a good track for Yamaha, but then it is Portimao which is one of the tracks where we struggled the most.

"So it will be great to be there and see the potential of our bike. Of course, I’m not 100% confident, but I believe in myself and Yamaha and even though it will be tough, we will manage it and try to do better than last year.

"We don’t know if the bike will work everywhere but we have done a good job. I feel like if we struggle we can prepare something."

There was also time for a lighthearted chat in the new factory rider's media debrief. Asked how much should be bet on him for the win in Qatar; Qaurataro had a great answer. 

"All you have, because if you lose the bet it is not my money so you can bet what you want," said Quartararo.

"If you believe in me you can put anything you want, but if I finish second I lose nothing. But honestly I feel good, and I have great pace.

"But we need to stay focused because the test is one thing and the race is totally different. At the moment you should wait, but on Saturday before the race maybe I can tell something."