Quartararo struggles ‘so much’ with soft tyres, but ‘happy’ with race pace

Fabio Quartararo heads into today’s British MotoGP as the clear race favourite after a stunning FP4 session. 

The Yamaha rider’s pace was not only the strongest of any rider, but also more consistent than anyone. 

It must also be pointed out that Quartararo has often shown the best FP4 pace this season before being matched or even bettered in some races.  

Quartararo starts from third on the grid and will most likely need to contend with the Ducati’s of Francesco Bagnaia and Jorge Martin - starting P2 and P4, along with Pole sitter Pol Espargaro and fifth on the grid Marc Marquez. 

Following the first run in Q2, Quartararo was on provisional pole, however, the Frenchman was the only rider not to improve on his second run after struggling with the soft tyre - usually where he’s at his best. 

Quartararo said: "Was a good day. Today I have been struggling so much with the soft tyre, even this morning. 

"I had the chance to do two time attacks in FP3 and I was not feeling great on the bike. With the medium tyre it was immediately better. 

"Normally when you do a time attack you put the soft tyre on and everything is going much easier; just with more grip. But today was not the case. 

"I was struggling so much in acceleration, but in the end the goal was to be on the front row. We will not touch the soft tyre anymore. 

"I’m feeling happy because in FP4 I was pushing well on the first run, but the second run I was riding smoother and the lap time was coming. I’m happy with my pace and with the tyres."