French MotoGP preview and ambitions of home boy Quartararo

The local fans can count two of their own as serious challengers for victory as the MotoGPTM field lands on Le Mans for the SHARK Grand Prix de France.

The World Championship is led by Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGPTM), but he is not the only fast Frenchman in the field. He has already shared the podium with Johann Zarco (Pramac Racing), who was the top Ducati Desmosedici GP22 rider in the standings until recently.

Quartararo is coming off a win and a second place finish in his last two outings, and Le Mans was nice to him the last time MotoGPTM raced there. ‘El Diablo’ finished third in a rain-soaked flag-to-flag competition.

“It was the first time I finished on the podium at Le Mans in 2021,” he told motogp.com. “Given the circumstances, it was a completely unexpected result.” I believe we will be able to take another stride this year. Of sure, if I have the opportunity and the rhythm, I will attempt to do so. But I don’t want to create any unintentional errors. The most important thing is to get big points!”

Zarco has had an up-and-down start to the 2022 season, like many others. He finished third in the Indonesian Pertamina Grand Prix and second in the Portuguese Grande Premio Tissot, but crashed out of the races that followed.

Zarco admitting to his early-season crashes, “It’s a shame, it doesn’t help in terms of consistency in the Championship.” “However, because I’m pursuing triumphs, I try to persuade myself that it’s all part of the process and that it takes time. I’m still learning to ride, so there are a few little faults.”

“Of course, I remain a little disappointed with outcomes like those attained in Argentina or Austin,” Quartararo said of his frustrations in 2022. But I fought as hard as I had in the previous two races! We could have scored a couple more points, in my opinion… Regardless, we’ll be in a fantastic position at Le Mans.”

Zarco finished second on the French GP podium last year, but believes his countryman will be the man to beat if the Yamaha rider gets off to a solid start this weekend.

“Fabio, he still has a win and a second,” the two-time Moto2TM World Champion said. “He’s also in charge of the Championship.” It’s preferable to be in front of him and collect the podiums that will emerge if he starts at this pace from the start.”

This weekend adds to the excitement for both of them. While there were no French Grands Prix during the pandemic-affected 2020 and 2021 seasons, this weekend’s race will be the first in three years to welcome spectators. It will also be Quartararo’s maiden World Championship in MotoGPTM.

“It’s a bit like the Grand Prix, when we’re treated like superstars, and unlike 2021, there will be an audience this time,” Zarco said. “We’ll have to try to absorb the positive energy that they’ll send our way while also preserving ourselves in some way.” Because we have a tendency to become overwhelmed by the applause at events like these.”

“Of course, the mood promises to be completely different there,” Quartararo said.