Fabio Quartararo, the current MotoGP world champion, said on Thursday that he was unaffected by a spate of disappointing performances that have opened up the championship fight.
With three grand prix remaining, Francesco Bagnaia of Italy, riding a Ducati, has closed to within two points of the Frenchman at the top of the standings after scoring only eight points during the previous three races on his Yamaha.
Five riders are within 40 points of one another and still in the running after 17 races, with 75 spots left up for grabs.
A week earlier, Quartararo finished a catastrophic 17th in a rainy Thailand. Frustrated, he refused to talk to the media; he later apologized for this.
Of course, I anticipated a lot better race, he said. “We started off with a fairly high (tyre) pressure, which was a mistake.
“It was difficult at the finish of the race. I decided against speaking with the media. I sincerely apologize to everyone who was in Thailand. I had no sensation, so it was very difficult.”
Both riders agreed the championship duel at Phillip Island in Australia this weekend was “only begun” after Bagnaia came in third.
Although it may be the conclusion of the season, the Frenchman stated, “We have to think about the championship now, but truly I want to take it race by race since it is like the beginning of the championship.”
The experience, according to Quartararo, who competed for the world championship in 2020 and won it the previous year, may be essential as the season nears its conclusion.
The fact that I still have the championship from last year gives me a lot of confidence and experience, he remarked.
So, of course, my two years of experience have greatly aided in my ability to remain composed under pressure.
Bagnaia said saying it seemed as if the season was only getting started after earning 36 points from the last three races.
He said, “Like Fabio said, it’s like the championship is just getting started and we have five riders that may win it.”
“Certainly, Fabio and I have more options, but the others are not far behind, and we are aware that anything can happen this year.
However, I believe that we have a lot of potential and should make the most of our current situation.
Aleix Espargaro of Spain (Aprilia) is just 20 seconds behind Quartararo, while Enea Bastianini of Italy (Ducati) is only 39 seconds behind him and in-form Australian Jack Miller (Ducati) is one point farther behind.