Yamaha has been struggling in the 2023 season, and Fabio Quartararo already seems resigned to the limitations of his M1. Still, the French driver managed to get a direct ticket to Q2 this Friday in Thailand.
Speaking after the practice sessions, the #20 explained where he is managing to make a difference to his rivals, showing himself focused only on getting the best out of himself and his bike:
– Braking. On braking 1, 12 and 3. At Turn 4 I don’t know how I’m doing it, but I’m getting a lot of speed, but it’s something I try to forget, because we know we’ve lost at least 2 tenths on the straights. But it’s out of my head and I’m just focused on doing my best and doing the best lap possible.
The French rider also explained the differences between the Phillip Island circuit and the Chang circuit, stating that he can unbalance his bike in Thailand – in the positive aspect – contrary to what happens in Australia:
– It’s not from the tires. At Phillip Island it’s a circuit where you don’t load too much, it’s a more fluid circuit, it uses the natural way of turning the bike. That was more difficult, but here you can bring energy to the bike through the throttle or even by braking. At Turn 4 you brake very hard, you reduce two speeds and you can even make the bike sway a little more. At Phillip Island it’s a whole different story.