Fabio Quartararo | Photo credits: Yamaha
Fabio Quartararo has long been under the limelight since his move to the MotoGP Championship. The Frenchman has achieved a remarkable list of stats, including Rookie of the Year honours last year. Continuing his impressive streak, Quartararo’s 20th race yesterday added yet another stellar record for the history books.
Quartararo became the first French premier class winner since Regis Laconi at the 1999 Valencia GP. He became the first satellite Yamaha winner in the MotoGP era. He is also the eight youngest riders to win the premier class at 21 years and 90 days.
The young gun’s debut season, which was also the debut season for PETRONAS Yamaha SRT, sparked memorable impressions in the first round itself in Qatar. He set the fastest lap around Losail International Circuit. He also became the youngest ever MotoGP pole sitter in Jerez. It was a historic day for the team as Franco Morbidelli joining him on the front row of the grid after qualifying second.
Johann Zarco, Fabio Quartararo, Carmelo Ezpeleta, Spanish MotoGP, 16 July 2020
Quartaro took part in his 20th race in Jerez last week after the extensive break. He showed that being away from his Yamaha YZR-M1 for over four months has only sharpened his drive. Over the course of the weekend, Quartararo broke the lap record (which he himself had set the year before) twice on his way to taking his seventh pole position and ultimately his first MotoGP win. It was his eighth podium and boosted his accumulated points total across the 20 races to 217.
Fabio currently sits at the top of the MotoGP World Championship standings after his victory on Sunday.
Fabio Quartararo, Spanish MotoGP, 16 July 2020